What does testing positive for antibodies have for ramifications if you need the vaccine or not?

If you know when you might have been infected, it might help decide when to get vaccinated.  A good assumption is that immunity has likely declined after 4 months, and may be nearly gone after 9 months.  There's probably no value in getting vaccinated just a few months after a symptomatic infection, but definitely value in getting vaccinated if its been 6 months or more after having symptoms.  If you were asymptomatic or had very mild symptoms then its probably best to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  This is not CDC guidelines, but its pretty much what the data seem to support. 

You should still get the vaccine. One of my friends just posted that a relative had COVID, had persistent coughing, got the vaccine and is much better. The vaccine activates a strong immune response. 

According to the CDC it should not be taken into consideration with decision making with regards to the vaccine. Several reasons for that.