In particular, if you remember where you found the source for the following answer, I would appreciate it:
Q: Is it possible for merit source to sell merits ?
A: This is possible but everything is public and it will be caught. Also, there are limits.
(I would like to know whether the forum has its own rules against it or "caught" just means negative trust)
in this thread. The question seems philosophical to me: someone can pay a merit source, and the merit source can give merit. But it's not allowed for a source to sell his merits.