I don't think this will happen, for two reasons:
1. The number of sMerits someone has isn't supposed to be public information, as it will lead to begging.
2. sMerit stands for "spendable Merit". 0.5 sMerit isn't spendable, so it shouldn't be shown.
I agree to this showing spendable merit to the public might lead to begging which is kinda unethical in this forum better enhance the profile feature that when we click the "merit" icon it will show the remaining spendable merit at least it is not publicly shown and owner can check it right away.
Right, I suggested sMerit balance should be only visible for the account holder, not for public, see OP:
Of course a user's sMerit balance should be visible only by him/herself, otherwise people might rush to people who have a large number of sMerits.
[EDIT: so sMerit balance should be still hidden from other accounts just like email address.]
and see also the above posts by Vod and me after the one you quoted.