I don't know if I'm in a position to contribute to this, being around for so little time and not amongst the two- or three-digit reputed, but I'd like to humbly offer my two cents worth that I collected in other communities.
I guess the question may be asked if merely being funny or witty is a reason for handing out credit. (Now, if someone is
seriously funny, okay, hand it to 'em..
) But looking at DeeperBlue and knowing that a good part of it is also about having fun (at least that's the impression I got in the short time I've been around), I do think it's a good thing to add to the reputation of people who add to the fun of the site.
Getting credit is a big motivation for contributing, so I think that the reputation system plays a big role in the bubbliness of DeeperBlue. The high reputation that some of You have here is surely well earned and it also strengthens You in Your positions of mediators and team leaders and whatnot. You have some control over the fate of DeeperBlue. People will try to contribute in a way that
You like, since that's where the big credit comes from, and You will have better arguments in discussions on what DeeperBlue should look like. I consider this mostly a good thing.
This introduction of an establishment somewhat slows or prohibits change in DB, or limits it to the kind of change that You approve of, but if someone would rather have a different diving-forum - hey, there's enough room in the web for all tastes.
Maybe we should just listen to uncle Ben, and consider well before adding rep power:
"With great power comes great responsibility".