Hi Guys,
This is to share my thoughts on this matter.
1. Merit is to promote quality post.
a. I agree. Post is reviewed for it to be counted as an Activity? why add an additional Merit?
a1. Unfair to the newbie that came to this forum for knowledge and possible earn. Those guys who have been earlier were not required to have this to ranked up.
First, merit is only to rank up and only useful in economic terms for campaigns. If you are not in for money is just a badge that is better if is difficult to get.
Now, if you are here to make profit, know that this forum´s reputation was built by many people that were here before you (and before me indeed) that built something from nothing, including "Satoshi", who was active for years if I am not wrong. So, no it is not unfair that they have a privilege over the people that arrived later. You can´t pretend to build an user rank just by posting crap and have the same status because THAT would definitely not be fair.
What they are asking from you is to contribute to further enhance the reputation of the forum by creating the type of content that made it what it is today. They are giving you that opportunity, so grab it.
In case you still don´t understand, go to any of the google early investors or even the founders and ask them why are you not a millionaire and that you feel frustrated about it. Check out what opportunity will these people give you.