@Stella and Money Beagle – I do hope people are rewarded when I speak up. Even if they don't receive monetary compensation they might get verbal recognition. A simple "good job" can go a long way in boosting morale.

@Money Beagle – Thanks for including me in a future roundup.

If you do have a complaint, I think it pays off to calmly and rationally let the company know that you're a long-time and generally satisfied customer, explain the situation that's a problem for you and allow them to rectify it. If they don't do right by you, escalate the issue up the chain of command.

I usually get a satisfactory result this way–although as others have pointed out, I generally make myself heard in negative situations. I have praised outstanding customer service reps to their managers on several occasions. Hopefully, they were rewarded for their efforts.