Maybe we could also have automatic ++ing of nodes after a certain time. Now that we have the surcease of painful nodes, most nodes that would be --'ed are just getting considered and eaten. So, we can assume that, because a node exists for (a week| a month| a year) it is still quality and worth of ++ing.

Seriously though, I don't understand why people neurose over the idea of being --'ed. I don't think that (most) people will maliciously -- old posts as a vendetta, and if they do, so what? I'd rather have someone -- an old post because it's an old worthless post rather than taking that ability away from them.