At first glance, this is a very mysterious place. Points are somewhat limited. Not sure how to earn points this way.

You just make posts to get credits. Simple as.

Yeah it's a bit confusing at first, specially cause there are some scenarios where you don't get points and some you do, but you get used to it

I came in recently and yeah sometimes I don't really understand how it works but I get used to it

Similar experience. I sometimes get credits after replying and sometime not

Yes that seems to be the case for me as well, but i'm not really complaining. The forum is quite interesting, at least more interesting than I thought it would be lol.

this forum is like living in real life. work hard for you points

don't really need to work hard if you just act like a human and talk to others by making posts

points are a bonus

Best and easiest way is to create sensible threads and posts, well, most of the time.

Feel free to read threads and share any comments with some value, the points just will be there soon, don't worry about it but if you do you can buy a bunch for cheap.