I think there are some direct ways to profit (like "recommending" items from amazon that are from top-sales statistics)

I wonder at all the indirect ways though. Maybe the account is enhanced to a reasonable reputation and is "banked" for later. Maybe there are levels of reputation that unlock abilities either on or off the site.

Or maybe some people are addicted to those silly internet points.

I'm surprised HN has a visible "score". I remember other sites would cap it at some value, basically reputation: excellent.