Vendee
Your comments sum up the problem with "the system". Why would the loo cleaner be less worthy of an award after, say, 40 years of hard work?
If we are discussing the state honours system, in the military you don't get an honour for years of worthy but undistinguished service, whatever your place in the hierarchy. Single out the worthy loo cleaner for an award and you have to give it to every other Tom, Dick and Harriet who completes an honest working life. All are equally worthy, but perhaps not of a state honour bestowed by the Queen. Honours are not, and should not be, the equivalent of a LSGC medal.