Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't make it back in time to edit my post: I would like to say, that I think our opinions are not mutually exclusive.

Perhaps if ppl do form judgments on such a basis, that it might be harmful. I would think that may be the way they look at most things though, and not an outcome caused by the site's posting badges.

I feel I'm off topic a bit here, and wish to send kudos to DocJohn for this Hawthorne effect effort, if nothing else!!