I posted this a while back but it's still relevant nonetheless;

Thanks/rep etc should never be expected nor should you be doing anything for these things. You should be doing services/helping people out because you want to, and to help the community. Anything given such as a thank or rep is just an added bonus to the above.

Basically it's just a number it doesn't and shouldn't matter but i see your point and perhaps the gesture for taking time out to do something for other people wouldn't go amiss. Hell, if i made some GFX for someone or did some kind of service for them i'd rather they sent me a meaningful message of thanks and gratitude over getting a "thank" or rep. Just my opinion.