I'm pretty sure Hillary & Tenzing both got a mighty boost to their Egos when they reached the summit of Everest. It was a very well funded expedition for it's day. If they had FB and the like the trip would have been all over social media. The crucial difference was they did not know if it was possible when they were up there pushing their limits, but they did understand, certainly Hillary, they might die and fade into History as also rans, if they did not come back.
I can't know but I like to think that the majority of those paying 40k to be guided up the mountain these days, have wanted to climb it since they were young and only now have the means to attempt it. Regardless they are still risking their lives and the lives of those who are paid to support their climb. No doubt as in all streams of life there are a few who are there more to promote their ego than satisfy a life's ambition. But I am confident that they are in the minority.
Back to the UK. Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scar fell Pike, Pen y Fan, even Yes tor. They all come up on people's bucket list, because they hear about them from some where and they present a challenge to the individual. My son has Ben Nevis on his bucket has had for several years now, but it's not always a easy as we often make out in this community to just go climb a mountain. So when you do it's good to tell your mates and others you did it.
None of that will ever solve the issue of queuing at the top of Snowdon on a sunny Bank holiday. If you don't wish to que turn up mid winter, when the café is closed and the visibility is 20m. Having never witnessed the magnificent views from any of the UK big three I can confirm that there are no ques in such conditions and you still get a boost to your ego when you tell your friends and others about it afterwards. Would I have climbed those peaks if there was no one else to tell about it. For sure I would have.