While far from perfect, I'd be inclined to agree that the reputation system definitely means more than it used to.
I do find it useful from time to time, and the "personalization" I add is (for example) when I come across someone with let's say a "65" I'll click on their profile page and see how that relates to their current activity level. So the reputation number is useful as an "invitation" to have a closer look, particularly when I see someone with a very high number getting very low rewards or vice-versa. It makes me curious to examine: Why that seeming discrepancy... there's usually a "story" there.
Ultimately, the rep scores are just a metric. I have to ask myself whether any piece of content is original and worthy... and stands alone, in adding value.
=^..^=
It is a starting point, that is all. Yes there is a level that we all look at. What you say about 65 makes sense. It is the level you start to look.
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