Rep needs to be used more often IMO. Your full rep points regenerate in like an hour or two, so there's not really any reason not to use it more. I find myself using it a lot like I used to use likes on Facebook (before I hated looking at Facebook for anything other than personal messages). See a post you like even a little? Thumb up one. See a post you like a lot? Thumb it 5. See a post that gives you a boner? That's a 10er.
I use rep a lot when I don't have anything I want to say exactly but want to at least let the poster know I agree, or I like it. You don't have to post a broad comment when you rep up/down, just do it.
Use the system more freely is what I'm getting at. It makes the site look and feel more active, and it was really annoying to install so I think it should be used a lot.
I'm not saying this because I myself want rep but it does look very nice and snazzy when posts have greens (or even reds) and not those useless 0's that do nothing. It's nearly effortless, and it really does promote activity.
REP IT UP SON
This message is in no way endorsed by SquaredCircle™ and is the absent minded ramblings of a guy that poops a lot. Thank you for your time