we are all in changes, it is very hard to rank up now because of this merit system, but this merits system is for good, I mean, by this new rules/requirements our forum will less spammer and shitposts for the next month. we are all force to make a more quality posts to gain merits so it Is not too difficult to gain merits point to newbies like you, we are all required to make a quality post to gain merits every time. if you don't make one you still remain at your current rank.
To be able to up rank do we really need a merit now? I just got into a Member rank with a 0 point merit so what is the minimum merits in able to go through a Full member rank?
Yup, for the newbies they need to have merits to rank up now. Take a look at this thread where the rank system is post
It will be a hard time ranking up now. But in the other side it good to avoid spammers that only wants to rank up without quality posts.