I find it a little sad. I'd prefer this to be earned by deserving people - ones who have shown courage, bravery, etc and/or bring pride to the nation. Not one

I find it a little sad. I'd prefer this to be earned by deserving people - ones who have shown courage, bravery, etc and/or bring pride to the nation. Not ones who pay/have friends/are just well known. Nowadays, knighthood doesn't represent anything of importance.