We are not talking about changing the functionality of the blockchain. It works how it works.
We are talking about how it displays on one site... SteemIt.com.
So, it is a matter of what is displayed not how it functions.
Rep is also just a display issue, but I do agree it matters.
Heck, then it doesn't matter how it displays, they might as well put a poop emoji and get on with it. Aaargh
Seriously though, the functionality is what we need to be addressing before we can even think about the display! We shall revisit this topic come 2022!
Actually, the rep never goes on the blockchain at all. It is just a number on the display, it doesn't do anything.
It's hard to get your head around which is which.