This is basically what I was suggesting on Discord the other night. You articulated it a lot better than I did though.

Only difference is, I was recommending it coming the other direction too by letting your reputation score affect the weight of your vote FOR witnesses as well as your stake.

I'm not totally sure about the best approach on the details. Haven't had a chance to chew that one all the way to the bone, but rep standard for witnesses, and rep standard (of some sort) for voting for witnesses along with stake is extra protection.

It can't be to strict though, otherwise you could end up some sort of oligarchy.

What do you think?