If that were the case, we'dbe getting awesome plushies right now. (Hmm... Maybe if Phoe made big enough puppy-dog eyes at the 4DE people, she could swing that for next time....If I were going to compare the NATG prizes to anything, it would probably be a raffle at a charity dinner:1. In both cases, the prizes are completely incidental to the event itself.2. You get a personal benefit from participating in the event (better art skills / satisfaction of helping others and a nice meal).3. Even though many would have already made the necessary investment (materials and time drawing / plate fee and potentially spending a couple hours listening to boring speakers) without the promised potential for extra goodies, the prizes provide enough added incentive for more people to do so with greater enthusiasm than would have otherwise.4. Lastly (and the reason I have a problem with participation ribbons in general), while the idea of a "ribbon" is culturally tied to the concept of excelling at some level, prizes in a random drawing have no such relationship to any sort of performance.Incidentally, I have absolutely no problem with participation badges, stickers, or even consolation prizes. It's just ribbons and trophies that set my teeth on edge.