In my opinion merit system is a great idea and a non-regulatory way to  control the members from posting spam in this form.

But what about members who hoard merits and just post garbage just for signature bounty.

This is unfair to newbies who are posting quality posts but never get merits due these selfish senior members?

If there is rule for newbies to survive in this form why there is no rule for these senior members?

If this flaw is fixed then i think merit system the best.