Personally, i think people get to caught up in ratings etc on the internet. Sure it's nice to be recognised and what not, but i think you should gain credit by helping people out, posting your work etc. People could be active on the board and still spout a whole lot of shite.

I think the best way to encourage people to participate more (in this kind of forum) is steer away from elitist attitudes that so many other 3d/graphics boards seem to have.