While I support the general sentiment of the thread, I don't believe there's a direct correlation between the two.  I'm certain that Nullius would be making exemplary posts whether or not merit was a thing.  By all means, use Nullius as an example to aspire to, but it's not correct to say that those posts are evidence that merit is working.  I suspect all the people who were making quality posts before merit was implemented will continue to do so.  Instead, I'd make the opposite argument, which is that those who were previously making terrible posts are at least making an effort to improve and enhance their knowledge and understanding because of merit.  If they don't, merit prevents them from ranking up.  And those who have no intention of improving are understandably upset.  That's the reason merit is working.