That would place a heavy burden on the shoulders of staff.
Which is kind of the opposite of the "semi-automated" system I propose.
I can't argue with that, it would require some work, but in my opinion it would also bring (much) more accurate results. Also, I am pretty sure there would be plenty of "volunteers" that would give staff a hand in identifying twinks.
I can agree on that. Which is why I personally would vote for certain local boards, even if they're not in my language.
I certainly would myself!
Buying merit just to upvote a local board?
Well, if it's worth that much for someone, I guess he'll have a good reason to have that board, so why not let him have it?
Sure, that might even make sense, but then again we're back to the issue of most newbies not having the possibility to vote at all if the vote is merit-based!