Apashutayid: I believe there are specific segulot attached to Maftir Yonah and to Pticha D’Neila, but I can’t quote sources (other than my father!). Peticha D’Neila is supposed to be segula for easy childbirth. And Maftir Yonah for parnassah.
While I agree that in an ideal world these Kibbudim should be handed out by merit, in a world where the Rabbi must get paid, as must the bank, the youth director and the cleaner, to name but a few – the potential revenue can’t simply be dismissed. What if it is a question of selling these few kibbudim, or raising the price of membership overall? I think the tircha d’tzibur involved in the latter would dictate that the Kibbudim be sold to those that can afford to shoulder that financial responsibility. Every institution will always have those that contribute more financially and those that contribute more in other ways. Both should be respected – and, yes, honored.
What is very nice – and I’ve seen this numerous times – is when a ‘gvir’ buys the aliya or p’ticha – and then gives it to someone worthy who couldn’t have afforded it…