Okay, so let's ask someone who is NOT a mod, and has done a few writeups. Not that it matters since Harry pulled the idea anyway, but . .
Personally the prestige thing is a load of horse shit. I would not feel that way even if I had the biggest fricken icon by my name. In fact, I would be very afraid. Rather, I'd be a target for immense criticism from my peers to get things and facts correct whenever I speak. It doesn't give you props, it just gives you more responsibility because people will be apt to trust your word. And no one here is always 100% right. If I got something wrong in a DIY, I would feel completely horrified if someone followed it and the mistake cost them money or worse, some type of injury. For me it has nothing to do with "I'm better than you". I do it because if I can make someone else's repair experience easier, then that alone makes my time and trouble all the more worth it. Why should I be the only one to benefit from my experiences? Oooh- I think I just defined the word . . . COMMUNITY.
Anyway, for the record, I agree that getting icons for DIY's may not be so hot, since not everybody has the means to do them. But i can see how they can work for referrals; that would be a more even playing field.