What drives a poor reputation for the Rogue class?

[Skrum]

Yes. That is why I concluded that comment with "So, I'm on the side of poison should absolutely have more effects, but HP damage is still appropriate to reflect some effects of poison."

Just from watching how people react to it at the table I play at, yah know what's terrifying and poison-appropriate? Damage over time. Take 1 damage at the beginning of each turn. Take 1d6 at the beginning of each turn. Take 2d10 at the beginning of each turn. Now it actually feels like poison, and the player is spooked because 1) they're taking damage every turn, and 2) that interacts in particularly unfavorable ways with death saves.

And yes, rider effects. That is exactly what poison should be able. Failed your save, and now you have disadvantage on ability checks and move at half speed. And take 1d6 damage at the beginning of every turn.

I would even follow that up with being on the side that there should be HP thresholds where something gets worse for the character at those levels. It would be a much different game if you had penalties to AC, or attack rolls, or something when you hit 75%, 50%, and 25% of total HP.

If DND wasn't DnD, I'd be more in favor of this. But for these kind of "death spiral" rules to be used, the game has to be WAY more deadly than DND is generally known for, and also have a way different attitude towards combat. DND is heroic rock em sock em robots. Characters can throw themselves into battle and beat the odds because they're that good. If barbs and fighters get worse at doing their job as they're doing their job, the game entirely changes. Characters don't fight melee, if they can avoid it. They carefully plan unfair encounters, and use bows (ideally) and pikes (if they have to). Not saying that's bad, it's just not DND.