I think that if you want to give someone a negative rating, that you should at least have to post a comment in that thread. Have it so you cannot randomly pick a thread and zap someone unless you make a comment.

I always post my initials when I give a rating. I didn't always, but i do now.

I don't see a problem with turning on the field that shows who have a rating.

Anyone making retalitory ratings would be violating the AUP.