this system is good, but have to be modified. if i say i post quality posts but who knows who will give Mertis, we can not beg on that. thats biggest weakness.
sometimes we will stay member forever. but here bitcointalk alternatives will be born rapidly and move away
Don't pay your attention on merits, it will let you down. Simply think about how to write constructive high quality threads, how to help others with your posts, how to change the forum by your tiny contribution. After all, merits will come (one day, two days, one week, one month, etc).