I do agree with most of your comments. But I must say getting merits as a newbie or a Jr member with even 200 activity is very very difficult. There must be a system put into place that would allow users with 50 to 100 activity to gain 1 merit point for doing so up until they reach 500 activity which would mean they earn between 10 to 20 activity points and in doing so, they will hopefully merit another member who has a good point they have made or a good post they have created. Your points are right but if you look closely at this thread the only members that have received rewards are those who already are full member to legendary and only a hand full of other members have received them. Most members with 1000+ merits act like kings and queens of bitcointalk and rarely give out coins to the average user unless they are a friend or something or another. Of course they have every right to do so because they have earned the points and have worked hard for them in most cases but see for yourself, check other posts and threads. I'm not attacking legendary members or anything of that nature but the proof is in the pudding. Check for yourself.