Well, after seeing your post (the quoted one) with all the merit, it looks like, the more merit you have, the more likely you are to get some from peaople...
That is an exception. Consider it as a reward for a member making a quick witty reply to an announcement from the admin.
Hmmm I see... The ever so common saying "Beying at the right time at the right place"... Well the merit is a good addition anyway, gaining activity is super easy, merit not so much...