In all seriousness though, I don't see it as that big of a deal.
Sure we get stupid videos posted up in hopes that it will get them that +1 they want so badly, but does really affect us (as a community) in a negative way?
Respect to me seems like jewelry. You don't need it at all, but it's nice to have for looks and such.
Also, for the newcomers, it allows them to see who they can trust more than others (considering not many people have -respect).