I think all of the newbies here will answer really really hard...
Let me tell you something. I started joining bitcointalk ever since this new merit system was implemented. So you can probably call me as one of the lucky ones starting with zero merits in our pockets. The key is to research well, learn about how the world of crypto works, and learn how the system here works. By then I wasnt that sure that I have a future here, but here I am now.
My rank is not that high, but let me tell you something. For each time you rank up, you will be so proud of yourself and so excited to get to the next rank. And everything else will follow. With this merit system, you will strive to learn, research, and create quality posts for the benefit of the community. Yes its hard to earn merits, but it will mold you to strive for your best.
Instead of crying about how hard the new merit system is for the newbies, why not make it a strength for you to strive. Thats what i did. Good luck newbies, dont give up. Im so happy I was able to get this far. I just got ranked up today as a member, but as of now I still call myself a newbie, thats what strives me to work hard here.
The new system isn't here to prevent people to rank up if they want to learn and integrate, the system was implemented to prevent the torrent of shitposting pajeets coming here to fuck up the forum. Well done on the level up and I guarantee you won't struggle to keep levelling up if you keep up the good work bud.
But still shitposting is not prevented. I think the main purpose of the merit system is to prevent shitposter to become high rank. Imagine many high ranks nowadays are posting nonsense and talk like a newbie. This shitposter high rank is the product of account sales and the potential activity features of this forum. I hope that they will start to fadeaway after this merit system implementation and actively tagging of DT for shitposter. This really helps to destroy those bought account.