I think that biggest problem of this merit system is that a lot of people is not using it. They simply ignore it.
Could visibility be increased changing the "+merit" color?
The merit system have been designed few days ago. Some of the members are not even going back online since this system was implemented. Sooner, people will get used to it. And if there are things like ignoring the merit system and ignoring the posts (even the constructive one), they won't be benefited for not doing that and that means that they are the type of people who doesn't want to embrace the new change. This new system teaches us to have a constructive post, and be open minded and teaches us to give those posts the merit they deserve.