I've been on sites before where one can give points to another member for a helpful/insightful/etc. post, and their "rep" increases.  I don't know if it would just be a hassle here, but it would be a nice way of saying thank you to all the Loomis's out there, who really have a lot of good and helpful things to say to a learning amateur like me.  Thoughts?

yeah, I agree. Maybe the forum is the perfect place for it. I know I've received help on several games from Loomis, so I'll use this post to give him some public recognition. Thanks Loomis!

you can vote for him to get a site trophy here!

http://www.chess.com/vote_trophy_list.html

If I can get that link to work, I think I'll do that, but there are others who have been helpful too.  Torkil for instance, and it could be nice if we were able to say a little thank you with each good post that was made.

reputation points also for other players , how reliable they are, completion of games , behaviour etc, a rating system used to ensure you get a good game...