Good topic, mate.
Number of posts count, but also, the quality of posts.
There are guys here that chat a lot, post incessantly on everything that they have a passing acquaintance with. I am sometimes guilty of it, and my accomplice is free time.
There are also those, that does not have many post counts, but make every of their post count through contribution of technical knowledge, and modification know-hows. They earn their reputation in a different way.
I respect the veterans here based on how long they have been a member on RWG, rather than only post counts. I respect those that are here for a longer period than I have been, and I respect those that know more than I do.
Even the mighty oak starts its life as a relatively lowly acorn, so I always give the benefit of doubt to newbies, unless they start their life on RWG by asking "who has the best sub"? and then disappearing without gratitude forever. To me, its always politeness and courtesy given until it meets the wall of resistance put up by the attitude of assholism.
I will then whip out the whips, guns and shurikens and chuck them without mercy until the "best sub" question ceases to issue from their bloody frothing lips.