I've not seen these -- but I don't hang around big and important people for the most part. However, I was part of a scientific delegation to a big biotech company a couple of days ago, showing an 'american bigshot' around. After being shown the 20th photo of hu jintao/ wen/ etc etc etc (on various and many walls) and no scientific content whatsoever, the 'guest' turned to me and expressed his growing irritation.

Moral: doesn't really work on foreigners, but clearly has an effect on chinese, since this appeared to be the usual manner of the 'tour'.

tb