Nothing beats hearing your call coming back to *you* from a rare entity, though.
I'd like to see one thing change in the DXCC rules in this regard. A category called Activated, to go along with Mixed, CW, SSB, Digital, etc. I see it working this way: if you've activated an entity that you've never actually worked before you get an "activated" credit that counts for DXCC under your primary call. Once another DXpedition comes along and you work and confirm it, your "activated" credit goes away and is replaced by a traditional credit.
Of course there'd need to be some sort of refinement to this type of thing, but the basic gist is a way for you to get credit for rare ones by activating them. I personally like that solution better than having a friend work you from your own station...that rings hollow with me.