Just a heads up, that Administrators, Moderators, News Posters and Elite Members can now leave negative reputation.
A new respected usergroup may appear soon which may also have this ability, we will see. If you reputation increases above a certain level you will join this group, if it falls below it again you will rejoin the members group. I am making this up on the spot but it sounds good.
The system can be fully audited and of course any abuse will be dealt with. Nasty style.