I posted to suggest another possibility. Human nature manifests itself in a variety of forms. 
I believe the answer is to restrict merit awards to a maximun of 2 at a time, or possibly 5, but certainly no more than that.
This is definitely needed. Merits are limited and there is huge competition for merits. I think merit sources are aware of the fact that they need to spend merits carefully. But members are sending in bulk. I believe the answer is to restrict merit awards to a maximun of 2 at a time, or possibly 5, but certainly no more than that.