I don't really get how cowgirl could be seen as a degrading position to women. By placing her on the top it allows her more freedom of movement and gives her more ability to set the pace of the sex, which is pretty much of the reverse of the way it usually goes in missionary in my experience. Unless the idea of a woman asserting her sexuality is seen as degrading I guess, it seems to me like it's actually the most empowering position for a woman.
Though yeah, if the guy is lazy and doesn't do anything, then it'd be pretty crap. But seriously, anyone who just sits there would be a crap sex partner in any case
doesn't hurt that it also hits the G-spot better than missionary as well