Hmmm.. well no I don't believe you can 'cash out' status/rep etc. on EU forum...
But for many, 'cashing out' is not the sole reason they play EU (or any other 'game' for that matter) anyway.
The rep/longevity/activity/titles etc. available on EU can be positive for many individuals in many different ways.
For some people it may give them another way to 'achieve' in EU without spending endless peds and while exerting their creativity, gaining a new perspective, learning or sharing the knowledge they have accumulated.
It can also be viewed as a basic 'ratings' system. ie. If a gold star individual gave me some advice, I may be more inclined to trust the validity of that advice knowing their status on EU forum. (just a random example here.. not my personal reasoning.. as you can see, I am FAR from being a credible member if people were to view my posts based purely on my current EU 'status'
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For me, EU forum has essentially become an added aspect to my EU 'gameplay'. For example, I often peruse the forum when I am having a terrible losing streak in EU.. I will come to forum, read something that makes me laugh or gives me a different perspective and therefore often sends me back into EU with added motivation and an improved outlook.
Similarly, receiving or giving rep.. or even just seeing my pitiful activity/longevity bar move along it's track, tends to give me that warm fuzzy feeling.
Make of it what you will.. but my point in essence is that I personally feel the current rep/title/longevity/activity etc. etc. system on EU Forum has many many positives, most likely seen and experienced in many different ways by the many different characters that use EU Forum to enhance their EU experience..
In my opinion.. how can that be a bad thing?
That said.. you're more than welcome not to care less about your personal ratings and they don't restrict you in any way (ie. if you can't get online and your 'status' here is fairly unimpressive... no need to worry.. you're still more than welcome to learn, advise and participate in every aspect of the forum as you are
Aly
(PS: please excuse the grammer.. long day
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