To be an active member: Post useless stuff / spam threads (like a legit friend i know) or Answer questions, do suggestions and make good jokes at a good time [...]
To be honest I don't even like the ranking system built into Xenforo (this forum software). I have often thought of getting rid of it.
Although I have put major effort into gaining each rank without being a forum hunter, I agree with this plan entirely.
It should also be noted that your "active member" status will not show up if you are a supporter as your type of support will override your status field.
Upboat, Upvote same thing and having upvotes implies that we could also have downvotes -- now those would come in handy