Its been a while since the merit system is added. I have been liking it so far. But I have a few suggestions to it that might hopefully be better than how the current system is panning out:

• Introduction of "Like" button instead of "+Merit" beside each normal replies to a post that will automatically add +1 merit to the user when clicked.
• Having +Merit button available only on for the starting post of a thread where anyone is free to add more than 1 merit points.
• Like button can be used by everyone as long as they have enough sMerit points available.
• Monthly sMerit giveaway by merit source to users who can show their past quality posts. That way it will prevent merit abuse as well as fair distribution of sMerits to those who deserve.

This subtle change might change the overall mentality of users who don't want to spend time clicking +merit on every posts and instead hoard their sMerits.