the underlying theme here is that there is NO theme for anti-freeloading. everyone's idea is different, which suggests that there is no right way to do it.

the idea of ratings or points fails because there is nothing to build it on. like it or not, the gnutella network was not built on rules. for better or for worse, this p2p network is pretty much unregulated.

on top of that, you're trying to do it cross-client. i'm not saying freeloaders are a good thing, but i think that in trying to create order from chaos, you'll end up hurting the people you are trying to help.

like it or not, the gnutella network is self-regulating. if you freeload, the network runs slower and you have only yourself to blame. if the network becomes swamped with freeloaders, it will suck and they'll have to either share or leave. i dont like the idea that the speed of the network is ultimately controlled by the freeloaders, but i'd much rather have that then share-nazi tactics.