In fairness, a lot of newbies may well have been scared away by the fact that they get a bad negative rating before they have posted 5 posts. At times, this can be quite justified owing to the complete waste of a first post - like
this one, for example (this is where the "ignore" function would come in handy - if you don't like the poster, ignore them, that way you won't have to read there drivel). However, some newbies may well have been encouraged by their positive ratings and have felt more comfortable here and have as such made some worthwhile contributions.
If the system could allow for newbies to not be praised/kicked until they have posted 50 posts (it is only at that point they can praise/kick others, as we know) that may well give the newbies a chance. If this is not possible, it may best to get rid of it.