I am posting consistently with quality replies (not just "hi" or "this site is great" or "I agree"). I am accruing many posts (over 180) but my merit remains pinned at "10" or at a newbie to jr member level. Quite the discrepancy between the amount I am posting, my activity and the merit value.
Not understanding the merit system at all.
I guess all I can do is continue to post (because the topics interest me) and let the "merit" and "activity" take care of itself (HOPEFULLY) over time.
Yes, just give it some time. It's just 20 days since it was introduced so big part of the community is not aware of it yet. When the time comes to rank up, they will find out about the Merit and how it works and will begin to distribute it too.