Well I don't have a standard approach to life, but this would be my advice.

Forget about merits. Merits were introduced to reduce the impact of the influx of new members that were destroying Bitcoin Talk. You have to distance yourself from the marauding hordes. The crypto world is a real jungle, and you need to avoid the snakes, tigers, crocodiles and baboons, and establish an identity for yourself, your signature is one way to do this. Promoting sponsors of questionable repute in your signature reflects on your reputation and motivation.

Crypto-currencies and "blockchains" are starting to have a major impact in world economies. the real way to great riches is to learn about this, and to master the emerging technology. Scratching a few dollars from a signature campaign, and losing the contact with the wealth of knowledge here, doesn't seem to be the most sensible approach. Keep reading and asking sensible questions, and you will find that merit will come with the increase in your knowledge and your value to the Bitcoin community.