It's unfortunate that only winners are required to be gracious...
I too thought the award was a bit premature... until I read Alfred Nobel's original intent, as it is clearly spelled out in his will: ...to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind. …one part to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.