I agree with the Merit system to ensure that there is no spam or meaningless messages used just to make post and activity numbers. But I think it is also right to look at the other side of this change. Members who were already Legendary depart with 1000 Merit while those who were in Hero (maybe even near the Legendary) will start with 500 Merit. An exaggeration in my opinion. All is well but we must also give the opportunity to the new to go up in grade or at least to put everyone on the same level.