Are people asking to boost their "Thanks" ratings to get a higher reputation?

[Zeus]

I am utterly confused. As I browse around forums, the "Thanks" indicator is going up exponentially, almost at an unnatural rate, on people's avatars. Some of them aren't even making that many posts.

I had a theory. Maybe people are asking their guilds to thank their posts? Please tell me I'm wrong, because if this is what it boils down to, I am utterly shocked and horrified why anybody would want to put such a visage on. Wouldn't this totally distort the meaning of a forum reputation system? I am not going to call anybody out in particular, but those of you that are guilty know who you are. IMO, it is utterly disgusting. It's like doing a good deed for the sake of a reward, not out of kindness? What is the point?

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