As for the abusive thread, I think that guy is taking the piss out of the merit system, as he is offering random merits without asking for anything in exchange.
Can't moderators give him a ban/warning for such behaviour?
I bolded what I think is the important bit. By not asking for anything in exchange it is not abusive. Everyone is free to give merit where they want, it is only a problem if they are trading them or farming alts.