A related question: How many posts does one need to have in order to be able to give thanks and rep?

I've been playing for close to a year now and have been a regular stalker on the forums since the anniversary. I'd like to be able to give thanks or rep, but I am unable to do so. I do not believe in padding a post count, but I will admit to submitting 6 entries into a couple of contests as of late to try and get my posts up so I can give thanks and rep while stalking the forums.

I apologize if there is already a thread regarding my question, I did not have much luck with the search function.