If how long you were online affects your level, it doesn't mean you are active.
I could just leave RMRK up all day, and just come back and press something every now and then.
And I could black-mail people into adding me as their friends! xD
I think the level system is awesome, and it's good you can see their post count, otherwise I wouldn't be able to make sense of it!
By the way, why can't I add/subtract reputation?
Is it cause I have -1 rep'?
If so, WHO SUBTRACTED MY REP'!!??