It does however give other people some reassurance that you're not just a new member of the site with no other interaction
sadly, i dont find it reassuring at all, completely the opposite lol, made wonder why their karma is so high (if they are pm'ing every member randomly, that leaves a lot to be desired).. lol.. so in my opinion (just opinion) karma does not give a true reflection of the member!..
eg. someone pm'ing every male/female on the website, how does that make them safer ? isnt that just a bit creepy? lol
you can understand the mods having high karma.. that makes perfect sense; also received a pm from a mod when you first join the site is reassuring...
i dont take any notice of my karma.. lol