I think this new system would be great if it was implemented originally. Also, it is kind of sad that ranks just inherited certain amounts of merit. People with high ranking accounts pretty much just got the biggest hook up that could have been provided to them. I mean seriously, I think if the team here at bitcointalk reevaluates this after a month or two and realize what they did, they will end up reverting some things with this new "merit" system, or doing away with it all together.
About a decade ago, ATS (Above Top Secret), the greatest forum in the world back then, had a similar system with start ratings for each person and post. Their system was MUCH better in terms of design and functionality. Maybe take a look at that and redo this change which will only make it even more difficult for members to rank up. Some people, who contribute often and with quality, deserve a system that makes it easier for them to rank up.
If the merit system gave stars next to a user's name, with visible icons, and did NOT cost merit to be given merit, then this might work better.
Just my 2 cents.
yes, it is not fair for users. In fact, I don't know how long which I need to collect enough merits in order to be upgraded to Full Member. That rule require a lot of time and intensive efforts. Otherwise, earlier users, by which I mean older accounts than me, just older a little bit, had to spend around 6 months to be Full Members. Anway, I have to follow the new rule, but really hope that admin can adjust it a little bit for users.