Firstoff, I have no previous familiarity with Ellison and this was my introduction to him (besides knowing he wrote an episode of Star Trek). I generally liked "Repent", most of all for the writing style. The jelly bean paragraph is really quite spectacular. I also enjoyed some of the parallels that were drawn in the text (for example: the Ticktockman purrs, as does the fatbox that hands down his messages).
However, I don't think the anti-regimentation message is terribly engaging. I found myself wondering more about the implications and mechanics of the cardioplate system than anything. Surely, random errors occur in this society. Things must break down or glitch out sometimes, or maybe they're interrupted by the Harlequin. So, what happens if you're late because of something out of your control? Do you still get time docked? Is there a review committee to determine extenuating circumstances? Can you appeal?