It would be bad-ass if we had a system where (maybe in addition to some karma total) advancing past prentice status required a nomination and a second from posters with higher karma (maybe those with 400+ have the power to nominate and second).

Maybe that would make participation more intimidating, and maybe this is too pseudo-caste making and would undermine our collective rationality. But it would make things more fun, create a sense of accomplishment and belonging, and if we're going to be a rationality dojo maybe we should really embrace the dojo thing.