Yes, I am neither for it or against it (like or points), but I have liked something manually via +1. Usually when someone makes a very witty and equally ironic point about something. Sort of like, when my wife makes a valid counter point and gives herself that imaginary finger point in the air.

I'm not a big fan of point/reputation systems and like you, I'm ambivalent on the "like" button. I don't have a problem putting up a "like" button for topics, as long as the overhead on the server is fairy low, which it should be.

I do need to include a Google+1 button in the list of social network share buttons that appear in the first post of each topic.