I just rank up today at 70 activity but still I'm a Junior member because my merits are not enough, so I feel so depressed.. Do you think this merit thing will get lost in the future of bitcointalk? because honestly I'm having hard time earning it. I don't have much knowledge in bitcoin though I research but not all sink in my mind so its really hard for me to earn merit.. Is there any other way to earn merit except for quality posts? Please excuse my grammar.
To get a merit just one way: you should learn more about Bitcoin or cryptocurrency and post in this thread posting high quality and usable information for other people. if your posting usable and very interest I think another member in Bitcointalk will give you merit. 
So Good Luck!!!