Maybe so, but the thing is, forum rank doesn't mean anything. If a reputation-based system was implemented for the voting, then that would mean something (an extra un-abusable idea would need to be added as well) about the user.
high forum rank means you've been here for a long time. high reputation means [some] people likes your posts. both means something and can be bought.
I guess both can be abused. but why should we create a new feature for something that can be done with an already existing feature?
in short: I don't think the reputation system is needed. that is unless it have other benefits.
. it would help fade out all the bad comments or spam that people have been posting.
