The problem with seeing strangers' +1s is that you can't validate their authority. However if I were to see that my friend who is an excellent photographer has

The problem with seeing strangers' +1s is that you can't validate their authority. However if I were to see that my friend who is an excellent photographer has +1'd something photography related, I would trust it more. Alternatively, if a friend who's taste in movies I disagree with +1's a movie, I'll know to ignore it. If people use this, I see how it could be useful.