[Big Al]

In some ways I agree with you both when referring to what is generally termed script kiddies.

There are several levels of "hacking" and "hackers" if I may use those as generic terms.

While the "script kiddies may do this for the street cred as has been pointed out, I feel that the same could not be said for those 'hackers" who operate on a much higher technical level.

Some of the ex members of certain government groups who began to offer their services in the market place, after the end of the cold war, are literally "Guns for hire" and have been known to deface and attack sites that had offended some people.

In some ways even though it could not technically be called hacking, the DDOS attacks on several sites because some one is upset with either their policies or the direction that an owner or admin is taking it
shows that action can and has been taken against sites for some form of "payback"

While it could be argued that such groups as "Team poison" and " Anonymous" may indeed go after some large organizations, they are a lot more advanced in their abilities than the street creed script kiddies and it could be argued that they are going after an admin or his policies rather than just going after street cred.

There are many "attacks" done on sites for many reasons. I perhaps did not make myself clear. I was not referring to basic "script kiddies" but those who have a lot more ability.