I agree with what some have said here regarding some people's level of green chicklet-ness and their knowledge. I don't think that the rep system should be viewed as any indicator of a person's level of knowledge or audio, or lack thereof. If it's some sort of "social experiment" that's one thing, but the way I see it, with the many varied topics and sections on this form overall (many of them open to any number of discussions), using the rep system as a means of gauging one's Audio/Video savvy is in some ways a conflict of interest.
For example, anyone can add or subtract to any given person's reputation simply by clicking the button -
anyone. Who is to say the person adding or subtracting is any more or less knowledgeable than the person affected? I think it's also a good indicator of who is generally better appreciated as a member on this forum, either by virtue of A/V knowledge or all-around friendliness and perhaps a good conversationalist or debater. Not all threads on this forum revolve around A/V, and places like the Steam Vent is where many people end up getting their reputation built up, because it offers us a place to "hang out" and chat about whatever we want to, as people, as friends, as those just sitting around shooting the breeze. This forum allows for it, so why should we frown upon someone who is maybe a noob at A/V, but has a few green chicklets under his belt because he seems like a genuinely good guy?
If the green chicklet system was to serve as only an indicator of a person's level of knowledge regarding Audio or Video, I would suggest that the capability to add/remove rep points be limited only to mods and Admin, and used only for that purpose. But this isn't the case, so maybe everyone should just relax a little and enjoy it for what it is, which is basically nothing.