JP:

#1. There needs to be an earn-out cap. After a user achieves a certain number of AntiPoints, they can neither gain or lose them.
But doesn't a Gold dot also preclude you from giving points too. That would work against the premise of self moderation since the people most likely to be able to kill a thread or ban a (l)user by virtue of their mountain of AP's won't be able to.

Better to lose a couple of lame members that throw a fit over anonymous AntiPoint Assignments, than to lose people in droves because the site is nothing but one big flame war.
Absolutely.

#3. Get rid of the off-topic forums like I mentioned in my last suggestion, so users no longer leap ahead by telling a funny joke or two.
Perfect. I've been whining about getting a private area for the purpose of quality security related conversations for ages. Mainly because I thought there was no chance of removing the existing forums without a bitchfest. Removing the non-security related forums will also go a long way to determining which users are here for serious content and which are here for green dots.

Provide rewards.
Unnecessary.... Furthermore they will lead to the same problems you have with green dots right now. People will come with the intent of getting their shirt rather than learning or teaching.

This place has gone downhill and JP is right about the AP system being the topic of the site rather than a tool within it being one of the major causes. I would add that those people who come here and whine consistently about AP's are the ones without the knowledge to be of use to the site, (hence their negative assignments), and without the maturity to be participating in what should be intelligent discussion about serious matters in the first place.

I'm with JP here... I'd love to see the site regain some focus. Focus that has steadily been eroded of late.