I guess we should wait and give some time for people to adapt and become comfortable with this system.I feel your pain but you are not the only one,even a full member like me is worried how in the world are they going to rank up,i need 150 merits to rank up!!!.
I had dreams to become a legendary member in this forum,but those sweet dreams of mine have been shattered.NOT totally though but it may require double the time now.