The only reason I can see to get your post count up is so you can PM and post pictures and things like that. I never look at peoples titles unless they are changed to something else. I don't think it is a vanity thing for alot of us.
But the birthday board thing is a good idea. Go there and wish people happy birthday and you will get your post number higher to be able to do the other things that newbies can't do right away.