I agree that this could be good system, this is just my thinking but maybe we take this karma too seriously and care too much? Either way I wouldn't be against this.
I believe people applaud others if they're a good,polite and helpful person...The reason of smiting is if the person is being harassful,irritating,and it's not helping in any way.People with high Karma will probably be considered as good people by the other users,who might ask them for help when needed.Your karma...well...it's negative,man.
So.. am I the only one no longer allowed to smite?
No,i can't smite aswell.I'm sure SK8Ace disabled smiting in the site so users won't abuse it.