I also think that the merit system is good in theory but can be improved.
For example in the local sections there are very few merit sources.
There are 84 merit for sources with a total merit generation of up to 19500 sMerit per 30 days84 sources for 2 mln users.it's true that bitcointalk is now a mirror of society where the richer get richer,
but shouldn't we be used to this already? If you can live in the real world you can accept the merit system

I am a member who always believes that the introduction of Merit system is the best thing happened for the bitcointalk forum. It's not good in theory but practically too. However, I'm not saying it's the best system and it also needs some tweaks like take actions against large-scale merit abuse, merit trading, demerit option where necessary, actions for hiding merit abuses when deleting their own posts etc...
I also agreed with "nutildah" that the fact there is no 2 mln, active users after removing bots and shitposters. I think those statistics can be provided by "LoyceV" or "DdmrDdmr". So your calculations to be revised accordingly that data too. Your argument of "
richer get richer" is absolutely wrong. If it is true all the Legendary members should have earned more merits than all other members. But check the Merit data and it shows there are so many Legendary members are staying only with their airdropped Merits (without earned merits). I think you just felt system didn't work when some of the higher rank members more often getting merited than others. But the truth is they often make quality posts than others.
When I am looking to your
post history it is more obvious why that you're not getting any merits. Almost all the posts that you have posted were in ANN threads. I think it's better to avoid those threads if you're really want to earn merits and contribute to other members by sharing your knowledge and post your suggestions for valuable discussions. After making so many posts in ANN threads then you're trying to blame the system by posting here and also making a
thread in Meta too. I think you and you only to be blamed rather than the system.
Another thing that I believe is we need more merit sources not only for local sections but also for other English boards too. Because most of the discussions are going on mainboards since this is an international forum.