It was a suggested solution to reducing spam and has been implemented to see how it works out. I didn't see you complaining when the forum was/is completely littered with shitposts. Did that not bother you?
It bothers me either. I agree. However, if dev creates a new system, he should consider the consequence.
I don't like spam post, but I hate unfair and cheating more.
Spam post can be done by anyone.
Unfair only can be done as higher rank abuse lower rank.
And cheating can be done by group of people.
Furthermore, merit may create a trading market for those who have a lot of sMerit sell to who need sMerit.
It creates more issue, don't you see that?