Originally Posted by
Inseriousity.
Not really sure, I think new members might get intimidated even more. Seems to me an ego-boost rather than anything constructive.
edit: as for the publically showing who's repped, some people +rep privately as they could agree with a post that goes against the 'popular' view and would probably feel uncomfortable at their name being stuck on a post they agree with but too intimidated to show public approval of (which might mean they rep less, which is what youre trying to combat)