At first glance, the reputation system seems to offer a few benefits. For one, it seems to provide some sort of reward (incentive) for those that are active in the forums. It also provides some sort of information to those who are seeking advice. Unfortunately, the point system does not come free of cost. Perhaps the biggest cost, which completely over shadows any of the benefits, is social stigma. Personally, I think we would be better off without the point system. However, the ability to only leave positive feed back may be of some use. Those are my two centavitos on the matter.