Often it depends on who nominated you
It sure helps! I know of a couple who received OAMs and who were nominated by one of their children. Once nominated, I suspect it would be thought very churlish and quite difficult for a referee to say 'no'.
I know of another recipient who was 'awarded' a Public Service Medal, not for a lifetime of service but for a special project that lasted a couple of months. He didn't deserve the gong but his team of ****-kickers did.
