People don't get honorary degrees because they photograph well or are neat people. They get the degree because they have furthered the science, performed fundamental research, introduced innovative or radical new lines of thought that have produced significant results, etc. In that respect, a PhD is a PhD is a PhD. Most PhDs earn their degree the traditional way, then go on to do nothing innovate with their lives. When someone takes the opposite route, then the university (or many universities) confer an honorary PhD that is equal to a traditional PhD in every single aspect.