I joined roughly the same time as you did OP. I'm of the opinion that i don't think think it needs changed at all. This place would be archaic and an absolute ZOO if it wasn't controlled somehow.
I'ts fairly obvious what most new people come here for, so if you want to rank up and get to those levels then its only fair you should be expected to make some decent constructive posts and put some effort into actually participating in the forum, as opposed to just coming here for financial gain and offering nothing in return.
Its a two way street....unfortunately the vast majority of newbies can't quite grasp that!
I do not suggest lack of control and the zoo. The Russian section discussed the topic of merit. There were statements. For example:
"In the bounty there are too many people now, so the earnings of the participants greatly decreased. Merit - a convenient way to prevent new members from entering the bounty. Therefore, even if your posts are useful, it is unlikely you will be given the merit."
In this regard, I have a few questions.
1. Who has the opportunity to give merit?
2. Are there any requirements for them?
3. Is it possible to say with confidence that their choice is dictated by an objective assessment of posts?
4. What are the evaluation criteria for the posts?
5. What other methods exist for gaining merit?
Maybe this in the Russian section just need to make more clarity.