we are not paid enough for what we routinely do
Sorry but I don't agree. What we routinely do is a skill that with a big wallet and some time my granny can learn.
But what these pilots did was something exceptional, something that can hardly be learned, but something that comes from experience.
And the experience, that is what we (some of us) are paid the big bucks for.
I don't feel for that "Hero" -tag that f.i. capt Sullenberger and others have been given, because they were doing their job.
But I do have great admiration for Sully and these aussies and I can only learn from them and hope that in a similar situation I perform likewise.
That's why I think these awards are important, they deserve respect from their fellow pilots.