This seems strange to me. Since the merit system has been introduced, the forums (or at least I) have been witnessing a number of newbie accounts with some great knowledge posts. Some sound like they've been around for years, and it's something interesting that they've a recently created account.
In simple words, it smells like a surge in multiple accounts to me.

Past situationPeople creating multiple accounts just had to complete the activity to rank up and thus they were posting one liners to achieve this.
Current SituationPeople making multiple accounts and wanting them to rank up are making quality posts in hope of some merits. Isn't this good for the forum that we are getting quality posts added here ? Problem is with those members who are still continuing with old approach (making shit posts) as they are content with Jr Member rank as they might need it for bumping threads only or sending pms.