I think it depends on the girl. My daughter said if she didn't win the title she would not wear a banner even when she did qualify. She just felt that she only wanted to wear a banner if she actually won, this made her goal of winning more meaningful to her. She has had to wait four years since her last win and not royalty but she was so excited that she could get a banner this year. I think it just depends on the kid but there is nothing wrong with it.