There are lot of SO users who have reputation running in several thousands. These are the people who have had SO accounts since a long time. I can only imagine how wonderful they would feel seeing the green pluses every time they just casually log in just to see some newbie just upvoted an answer that he gave 5 years back. There probably would have been a time when *almost* every question was a new question and thus every good answer was awell rewarded. That's why we see year old answers which keep getting several upvotes every day and thus the person who gave them still comfortably earns reputation! Fast forward 2015. SO has reached a stage when lot of questions have already been asked before and not to mention tremendous competition! On popular tags, you see 10 answers within seconds of the question being asked. A guy today has to struggle exponentially mmore than a guy,say 3 years back to earn rep. 

So, I am tempted to ask this. Don't you think that new questions or answers should have a different rating system than old ones? *It's harder to fish nowadays, most of the fishes have already been caught mate* :) Would love to hear what others have to say.