As far as I am concerned, you have to do the following things to get more merit. And this is the real guide!
1. Be theymos and post the announcement about the Merit thinky;
2. Post infographics about Merit, although a dozens have been posted already;
3. Start a new Topic and ask/complain about how to get Merit or why nobody gives merit;
(the three above have the best result)
4. Be a Bounty Campaign Manager;
5. Post helpful stuffs on the forum;