All those negatives are the advantages of higher rank members.
1.There will be less members with lower ranks who can join Signature/ Bounty Campaigns. Higher Ranks can now join those project without hassle.
2. There is always a solution to the problems especially to those who are not agree with the new system. Merit sales could be possible.
3. Exactly, I know we are not encouraged to give those sMerits but what if they do not feel like giving their sMerits even the post has quality.
4. Because they have the power.