I think when someone puts a lot of effort into a photo and the result is as good or better than expected a sense of pride is realised.
Looking at my gallery for 2007, this one jumped out. I spent THREE whole days on it. I did three versions after abandoning a few using a different technique before it. When I look at it I feel the effort was worth it as I believe it is technically perfect.
http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...500&ppuser=101