I just quickly made this script for you all that automates this effect on ANY polygon object

The history REMAINS intact, so you can adjust the global and local scale attributes of your "spikes".

WARNING:
Currently this script only works on one object at a time.
In order to run this effectivly on another object in your scene, you must delete the history on the first object!

Have fun!

Open the mel with your fav text editor for installation instructions, and a few tips as well

Post any errors, or whatever here.