So I never used the reputation system before and I'm a bit confused on when it's appropriate to +rep someone. Because as of right now it seems that the +rep and thanking are pretty much the same thing to me? The only difference I see is that the more reputation gives the benefit of a higher rank and more access to programs. While the thanking system is used as a way to lessen the abuse of people +rep all over the place and making the admins -rep everywhere to fix it.

In short:
I was just wondering when is it more appropriate to +rep someone rather than just thanking someone's post? Sorry for the dumb question.