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!
Even newbies would have the ability to vote. All they need is to receive 2 merit first.In other words: they'd need to show that they're able to contribute to the forum in a meaningful way.
Which is probably not such a bad idea for a barrier to "voting"
I see your point, no doubt, but I don't consider it a strong argument
