I personally think anybody, and I mean anybody, who got to the top level deserves full accolades, regardless of how shit fans think they are. Ultimately, they gave up their time to the game, are probably more passionate about it then any of us & were lucky enough to experience big match atmosphere, tension & a viewof the game, very few of us were able to.
If you ref to your ability, and the powers that be decide you are good enough to go to the very top, then you deserve to bow out with your head held high, and with full respect from fans.
If I see Stu Dickinson in a bar, I'll be at the front of the queue to buy him a beer. Referee's shouldnt' be immune from criticism, but they don't deserve the flak which comes their way.