In fact, the nice thing about never seeing the current rep of a node you haven't voted on (well, except for Best Nodes and Worst Nodes) is that you are forced to take the post at face value.

I know there are some Monks whose posts I pay much more attention to, but I don't ++ anyone unless I feel their post has added something to the discussion, either by way of providing new information or a new approach, or warnings about what not to do.

I occasionally use the dreaded -- when a post is a waste of bandwidth, or, on rare occasions, when I strongly disagree with the writer. The reputation of a node is feedback, but that feedback is only allowed after you've cast your vote.

I don't think adding an abstention option would add anything to the current system.

--t. alex
but my friends call me T.