Re badges, another important one is the Bronze. That, plus "cross counry endorsement", is a pre-requisite before going cross-country, which you have to do before getting silver. These two are more like ratings than scout badge collecting - unless of course you think collecting ratings is equally juvenile, in which case you are entitled to your opinion that they are all the same.
As to gold, diamond, etc., they are measures of achievement. Some people like to get them if they can - they take some getting - but one doesn't have to try, any more than power pilots have to try flying any further than to a few £100 burger bars and back.
Chris N.