I'm pretty sure that's exactly what's going on.  You've seen all the no-English speaking shitposters all posting in threads about merit, saying the same positive things about it.  It's tiresome, and I also think they're being dishonest--they're writing what they think higher-ranked members want to hear in hopes that one of them will merit their post.  For the most part, that's not happening, and I'm thankful for that.  They're so easy to spot, it's ridiculous.