When Merit system was introduced, I only had to get 19 activity to get chance to become Legendary member. Now I also will need to get almost 500 Merit points. I'm disappointed? No. Hero or Legendary member, it's not really big difference for me.
I know sir your not because your rank is just enough here when we talk of profit.
How about us? But that's okay as what i have said let's move on.
If now I would be on your position, maybe I would talk differently than now. Merit system is much more beneficial for old members. But I consider it as analogy of early Bitcoin investors/hodlers. These who invested 3-4 years ago when Bitcoin was worth few hundreds bucks, have much bigger profits than these who invested few months ago. Same with Bitcointalk - these who joined few years ago now reached high ranks.
But you shouldn't forget that many people came here not to earn money. They just discuss, follow news, educate themselves or helping to newbies. For these people Merit system and Ranks aren't that important, I think.