It's not only about to be a "holder". You simply don't have merit to spend.
I don't have any, members have ONE. When it's gone, it's gone. Oh, after it's gone, it became 0,5!!!!! So very fast...no more merits on the forum (the 8'000 from "mining are insufficient for sure)
The only way to grow is to have some legendary friends that will "sponsor" you.
The forum now is property of an elite of high ranks, the others can only beg for mercy.
It has nothing to do with the quality of post, only with power.
So, if I send merit points to another user it will be deduced from my account? Most of bitcoiners are holder by nature I don't think they will spend their points even if they cross a good post ( maybe they will do if you pay them well

)
It will be hard for moderators to check all members posts if they ask for their merit points (10 constructive posts), it would be better to use a Demerit system to punish shitposters.