The rule should be stateless: users vote, and it’s data. Then, there’s an algorithm that computes karma of users and rating of comments, starting from that data. Giving more weight to high-Karma users (adjusted for inadequate voting=significantly different from what others value, and for balance of votes) is similar to electing moderators, and ultimately roots in the founders’ conception of what’s on-topic, what’s valued on this particular forum.
The rule should be stateless: users vote, and it’s data. Then, there’s an algorithm that computes karma of users and rating of comments, starting from that data. Giving more weight to high-Karma users (adjusted for inadequate voting=significantly different from what others value, and for balance of votes) is similar to electing moderators, and ultimately roots in the founders’ conception of what’s on-topic, what’s valued on this particular forum.