I think rep matters to some extent, but you need other measures to know if someone is a good community member. Some get a lot of votes, but hardly comment or reply. I get plenty of votes, but not many of those $10+ ones that everyone wants. I will reply to most good comments I get if there is something to be said.
I think the current rep was just something that was easy to implement and it can be manipulated. Anything else will only get criticised too. You have to check someone out really.
My whole point is to attempt to create a type of mini game, if you will, for the newbies to adopt. meaning, they can try to get their scores up, thus acting the way that its best for this platform, and gaining our support along the way.
Set the culture.
The data is all out there and anyone can process it into a score. We have the various Hive Buzz badges that make it into a game.
It needs to be easier to see, quick, like the number next to our avatar. I hope when we sit down with @arcane in a week (i think) we can bring this up and see if "the game" could use an update.