People are misusing the merit system in number of ways and it is good that some are getting caught as well. But there is one way which will be hard to detect:
Suppose a new member gets 5-10 merit points for some of his posts in total. Now he gives these points to a enemy here for a short post. This may raise suspicion among the senior members and both members may be given negative trust. Isn't is unjustified for the later member ? How is the staff going to tackle this ?
I don't get what's wrong with these as long as they're merit-worthy:
1. New member giving away his sMerit to a high ranked
2. New member giving away his sMerit to a short post
It's even better for the forum that new members are paying it forward, that they're willing to give their sMerits. Although i get your point that it may be suspicious, at least new members beforehand are making quality post. But if that's the case (same person handling accounts) why didn't the high ranked just posted with his account instead of creating a new one? His account will gain merit + reputation + unsuspicious life.