As far as I know Shov, the forum PTB are working to enable PMs for the general members, as it is perhaps the most requested improvement so far.

As far as changes to the Rep system, I personally dont see any change to this. The current system is in place mainly because the potentiality for "rep abuse" exists.

But then again if theres a way a member, who would become a victim of rep abuse, can bring the abuse to the attention of the Staff (the PM feature would be a useful tool for this)........