Overall, I really like the reputations. It provides an avenue to make short, personal comments on posts and you don't have to clutter up the thread or PM box to do so. I tend to find the 10 members between reps, and no more than 10 reps a day rules to be somewhat frustrating at times, but I understand the aim to make the system more balanced.
However, I've had nothing but good experiences with it... meaning, I've never been negetive repped. I don't know exactly how it would feel to have that happen... so if that is what members are worried about, I can't give perspective. But, as with all other aspects of the board, the rep system is subject to review of the mods, and so if someone feels they are being unfairly targetted or attacked through reps, it should be easy enough to deal with -- just the same as if you were being attacked on the board or through PM's. Of course, that does create one more thing for the mod's and admin's to have to deal with, so.... That's an aspect of reps you'd have to get a mod/admin's opinion on.
I think that many general opinions are expressed, and questions/answers given in
this thread. It's not open for posting, but should make for good reading on the subject.