David,
You've pretty much ignored the advice you were given in this thread...and, you've managed to lose ground, accordingly.
Step 1: Stop what you're doing - it's more annoying than anything else. When you make posts for the sole purpose of earning favor, it's painfully obvious...and rather pathetic.
Step 2: Stop being a
. I know Lucille said to be yourself; but if that's what you are doing (see Step 1), it isn't working for you.
Step 3: Don't try so hard. The easiest way for YOU to get karma is to forget about it. Participate in discussions that interest you, try to help people with less experience, admit that you don't know everything, and let the David you've said exists show through the one you've thus far presented on this site. (You remember - the one that people supposedly like, and doesn't exist for conflict.)
It's not difficult; but it isn't fast, either. There is a faster way; but you don't seem interested in going that route...so slow and steady is your best bet.