Here are a few links and excerpts that demonstrate the use of "humbled" in the context of receiving high praise. And it's not just an American use of the expression, as shown below.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1726136.stm
"Mr Giuliani said he was humbled by the honour."
http://www.mountpleasantwines.com.au/accolades.htm
"McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Chief Winemaker, Phil Ryan, said he felt humbled by all the accolades and felt proud that Hunter Valley Semillon and in particular the Lovedale Vineyard, the special, single piece of land that creates the wine, was receiving recognition as the world’s best."
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10729204.html
"Television presenter Gloria Hunniford has revealed how she was "humbled" after learning her best-selling book on daughter Caron's battle with cancer was shortlisted for a prize at the British Book Awards."
And the list goes on and on. So, can we drop the line of argument that humbled can't be used in this context?
