hey, how about a link right on someone's post where readers can rate them for that particular post (a post rating??!). This rating would be linked to their coveted 'member status', which therefore would make them think twice about wasting everyone's time?
perhaps the decline in their posting rating would only take effect if x number of persons voted in the negative. eventually, they would be able to get themselves voted off the board. as for stopping witch hunts or personal animosities, i leave that to the programmers.
just a thought, what do you think?