You can get merits by creating a quality post, in a way I also hoping to get some merits so I can rank up but It's hard to get notice, I mean I've been trying my best to give the best answer I can give and a well researched answer but still I can't get "0" merits so I'm also waiting for some good higher members who can check my post and maybe try to reward it with some merits if I satisfied and convince that I deserved it.