I've thought about the right time part before.. and if getting on the first page of popular threads is about timing (on the english speaking parts of the forum) then those always awake in certain time zones are likely going to reap more rewards purely by timing, while the rest will be on supplemental pages and get less to none.

I know the goal is not to try and be on the front page to get merit etc., but my point is some may invariably get it a lot while some will get very little based on timing.