There are consequences to all actions. There will always be consequences
In a way you said it, that literally means nothing,lol
We all know laws of physics, and laws of action and reaction.
Not sure, why rep, thanks, or stars are introduced at all.
Since all can be manipulated, what is the use of it?
Member can be active, and just decide to 'do' someone for $. Will their rating help? No, it will do more harm, actually, because someone took those stats for granted.
Well, now you can say, it's his fault he took it for granted.
So, what is the use of those stats?
Basically, except wasting space and resources, there is no doubt for me, that all that is useless. I mean, someone wrote in my rep, that I am a moron, because I said megaupload is scam host. Why he didn't comment on my post, asking me why I feel that way? So, a good person can be neutralized, and knocked from doing business, because of few idiots, and REPUTATION system.
So, there is more ways to abuse it, than it's of any real use, and help.
My 2 cents.
(Ye, I know, haters will react with: OOhhh again that trollz0r)