I remember a local racer several years ago who wasn't going to make the qualifiers due to a conflict with a school event that his son had. He knew he might make the last qualifier but most likely only get there in time for the mains. He's a really good driver. He didn't get to qualify and was thrown into the C main. He won it and was bumped to the B main. He won it and was bumped to the A main. He didn't win that but did do very well. He knew good and well he was capable of this and that it would most likely happen. I'm not personally a fan of bump ups but it doesn't really change anything or add any time to the day so I'm indifferent to it in actual practice.
I don't care about awards like trophies for club racing. That was fine as a kid but anymore it's an added expense for the track. Regionals or Nats I can definitely see a desire for them.