Im newbie here and I saw merits.. I dont understand it.. I even research in google but I couldnt find any answer..
Merit is the point given by others if your post is considered useful and quality.
This Merit is a key requirement to improve your account ranking. Merit is given to you by other user if your post are very constructive and meaningful. There are Merit and sMerit. Merit is the points given to while sMerit is sendable Merit which you can send this to other users.
Yes, merit is not for sale because selling merits isn't prohibited or acquired. I think those bitcointalk users who sell bitcoin will be punished, I don't think so.