also factoring user rep into this would remove the spam factor. users over 5o rep aren't likely to post bullshit responses to get their posts viewed. Comments with a certain amount of unique words would be good. I don't know f-all about these types of algorithms and how other sites pik organic trending metrics. I think what we suggest here is entirely possible. I'm not sure how difficult or time-consuming it would be for devs.
edit: also adding more time to wait to post a comment could help. because people could add more by editing if needed, and editing would require a human.
Actually having rep factor into the rewards in some way in addition to SP would also be great if it could be done.
having a two-fold rep system that splits posts and comments could be used to discount spam in algorithms, upvotes on posts could show to us users as the numerical rep score, while upvotes/flags on comments could simply show as a coloured traffic light colour behind the post score.and as an added bonus it would also encourage commenting again.
I think that it would be better if the reputation system was only influenced by popularity of user's posts rather than the amount of Steem Power. Atm, you can "buy" Rep by buying SP.
Also, post count should be measured by the a amount of one's blog posts not comments. There should be different counter for the comments.