It is frequently said, "If you don't like a post, just ignore it".

The trouble with that approach is that the original poster (OP) gets absolutely no feedback whatsoever - and so cannot possibly learn anything.

The purpose of the points system was to allow feedback to be given without clogging-up the forum with posts just saying "do the search", etc (negative) or "great idea" (positive).

The system is failing because the available votes are not well (enough) defined and are being misinterpreted both by those giving points, and those receiving them.

If the system is to continue, I think it's the definitions of the votes that need to be clarified:

When giving a vote, the voter should be presented with a screen detailing the full meaning of that vote, pointing out that it's not to be used personally, etc.

In a post that's received a vote the vote should be hypterlinked to a page that gives the same detailed description of the meaning and, for a negative, suggestions on how to correct the issue.