I suggest adding an option to disable reputation. It would disable reputation only for those who want to never see it again... This option exists on my forum, and I think it exists on ours too (although it's a slightly older version)... Technically, this issue is very easy to resolve.
Have you considered that people might start posting content of a completely different nature:
- posts will become shorter, just like in a chat (well... what's up... hey... etc. :))
- people will freely write EVERYTHING they think without fear. This, in turn, will lead to the same conflicts!
You seem to forget:
Reputation conflict is a conflict of opinions.
Post conflict will ALREADY be an interpersonal CONFLICT!
I think that the presence of reputation somewhat restrains forum members, keeping them within certain boundaries of decency.
If reputation is removed, then everyone will have to join a Guild. Those who don't join will become self-appointed judges, and the only thing that will restrain them is their conscience :)
And the Guild, meanwhile, will come up with something like a "Hall of Shame" and will thereby exercise control over the forum's life.
And it will turn out that this will be the SAME REPUTATION, only now it will be used to condemn in a COLLECTIVE manner, not individually!
This is just my opinion on how the further scenario might develop!
The rest is up to you...?
Sincerely,
Prorock.

Как много в жизни есть путей
Для добродетелей и мира.
Я вернулся...