Congrats mike, but you won't be making nobles in that village for a LONG time... lol.
I think this topic is all about perspective. If you want to chase the awards, which is fine, then go for it. Some awards are set up for start up players, while others are designed for long term players like myself.
Some players clearly would be quietly jealous as they may have been racing for the first nobling themselves, whilst other players may not be interested in the award or the glory. These players may consider it to be a waste of a noble.
I myself have always thought of it as a short term gain but a long term hinderance, as a small first nobling will take forever to develop. With this said, my goals are different to others. I don't want to be the first one to noble someone in a world. I'd prefer to be the last person to noble someone in the world.
Again, congrats.