I agree with you on the reasons why, I'm just not sure if this is the proper way to go about it. I think the commendation section needs to be revamped honestly. "Why are you commending this person? Was helpful. Was fun. Was good. etc." Then if each had unique rewards, people would be more apt to take things slower for new people, or so I hope anyways. We already toss commendations around like candy I guess...

Anyways, even if you make it the minimum, I don't think that solves the issue, even if I do agree it's something that should be looked into.