Another idea: certain posters could get a label as "distinguished member" or "golden membership" or "trustworthy fellow".
It would be rewarded by the vote of at least 3 moderators based on other people's nomination or such.
Who would get it?
A poster who posts good/correct answers, interesting threads and doesn't get involved in namecalling and other type of stupidity.
What's the point:
1. Newbies could evaluate posts by such individuals as more trustworthy then just an average poster. Since newbies don't know older posters.
2. It would be a badge of honor and would promote nice behavior.
When to give it?
It is not the number of posts but the quality of the posts. Still, a minimum number of posts would be prefered, let's say at least 100 or whatever you guys think is sufficient to evaluate somebody.
Can it be withdrawn?
Yes, if the poster changes his behavior the badge/label could be withdrawn...
Again, it is not rewarding 2000+ posts but acknowlidging QUALITY...
P.S.: If a poster mainly posts in the Chit-chat or Politics section, he shouldn't try to gun for the label...