Haven't you gotten you gift catalog in the E-Mail yet? <Chuckles>
Here's my understanding of the points. Points are given when you feel you learned something from a post. Or if you feel the person's post shows an above average technique, or the mastery of a new skill, or well...... its like the gold stars you got in Sunday School, you got 'em for learning something.
Everyone has the ability to give and receive the points. Everyone here shares what they know while learning from others. Its all the same.
What are they used for? I guess with what I have now I could probably get a cup of coffee if I had 2 dollars and a little extra for the tip. LOL
They show you have achieved something special and shared with others how they can also do it.
They don't reflect friendship, or in most cases ability or knowledge, they are just about learning and sharing.
I never thought to ask about them when I joined, one day I noticed the number had changed and didn't have a clue why...LOL
I hope that helps, I hope I am telling you right. Probably not, but that is the way I use them.