
Look I have been on here long enough to know how certain things work. I may not be the best writer, but after looking around, the members with the most merits aren't that great either, I mean not in the least, neither do they provide great content or insight. So how did they get all those merits with sub-par content? The senior members say post good content and you will get merits. Hog wash!! It is almost impossible to earn merits on here... Why??? Hope this not a good ole boy's system.... (That's why I love Steemit)!!
Another question??? Who the heck determines what good content is. I provide a lot of insight and I have written some good post here but I never get a merit.
My question is why is it so hard to earn merits on bitcointalk.org. Sounds pretty counter-intuitive to me... Please help someone!!

You spammed this same post in three posts. You need to learn the rules.
You will gradually get merits from merit sources. They will consider whether your posts are meritable or not. They are not marked but they are here watching most people and whom to merit to. Keep posting quality content and dont beg for merits or complain about merits.
One good suggestion for you - remove your paid signature and if needed keep a personal signature. The merit sorces being elder people here dont like newbies coming to the forum with the idea of spamming(does not apply to everyone) the forum to get paid from bounties and all. You posts will be catching their eye if you dont wear paid signatures - as per DannyHamilton.
Yes its counter productive for those who want to rank up making shitposts but productive for those who are making quality posts to this forum.