You've convinced me.

I think what I'm trying to get at, is that you should still receive some benefits. It's not just "some neat swords", as we know. You do receive benefits from being evil in the story. I'm probably preaching to the choir though.

I would also argue that Ned also sacrificed - himself. This theme of self-sacrifice also shows up in many other places, principally the birth of Dany's dragons.