We could always do something like what Overclock.net does, only allow positive rep and make rep levels take fucking forever. Also increase the rep spread to like 15 users and such. That still wouldn't eliminate the ability to circle-jerk yourself upwards, but it would eliminate the rage associated with getting a -rep.

If rep was brought back though I'm p sure we would reset it.

And just to point out, n00b was only banned for two weeks and that was the original intent.