I am pretty sure that reputation is earned and not bought. A quick analysis will show that there are a very large number of large investors who purchase SeemPower who have a smaller reputation score that other people who are consistent positive contributors, but have a smaller overall investment in SP.
There are two different systems in place. Reputation system and reward system. In a way they are related:
-With the reward system based on your investment- the system is assured of you alignment with the success of the platform based on how high your monetary investment is.
-With the reputation system based on social approval and contribution- the system is assured of your alignment with the success of the platform based on your accumulated positive contributions.
If some of those whales have smaller reputation (uncommon), that's maybe becasue they do not post much in their blog. If you are whale, it is easy to get higher reputation. Just post something and all other whales would jump on your posts, including all poor beggars. You will qucikly earn reputation.
If you are poor, then it takes a very long time to raise your reputation.
It is defenatly harder when you have no rep to gain rep. Even by making original content.
But i do agree that the rep system is socaily based and most of it is positive, there is the point where one can oversee something though