Well, then that is a different conversation. Sure, if your SO is not forthcoming with things that you ask for in a straightforward way, that is a problem, but the problem is not your "neediness."
The conversation has changed midstream from apples to bicycles. (Sorry for the mixed metaphor.)
I thought the original question was "is a compliment worth anything if you have to ask for it."
I think it is.
Today I did something nice for my bf (for him to discover later in the day after he left my house), and when he called me this evening, he was telling me about his busy and hectic day. He didn't mention the nice thing spontaneously, but when I asked him about it, he was very sweet, grateful, and made an appropriate fuss. I didn't feel the compliment was insincere because I asked for it.
If it happens one time, or every now and then... you can get away with it, which I believe I stated earlier.
But let's say you asked for the compliment, and he kind of blew you off.... or in any event, you didn't get the response you were hoping for. Or let's say you did get the response you were hoping for... regardless... if YOU are the one constantly seeking compliments, constantly prompting him, over time, your asking for compliments is going to come across as neediness. You are going to rob him of the joy of giving you a compliment because you are always circumventing the process.
