When you click that +Merit button you are giving Merit to other users but you do not detract from your own merit. There are two different forms of merit: static merit and sMerit, which is the sendable merit. When you are sending merit to another individual you subtract from your sMerit total (which is less than your actual merit). Then, an equal amount is added to the user's merit count and they are also given 50% of the sMerit that you sent.

You should read up on the merit system. That would be a better way of learning rather than to 'test' by sending to other users.

Also, even as a test, is 5% (what you assumed) really reasonable?