Hi, Deena,

I don’t really agree with that. Olichargy Oligarchy by its delineation as per wikipedia a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people, may be distinguished by nobility, wealth, family ties, religious or military control. Have you seen people controlling the merit system? As I can see merit sources are doing great in spreading merit and not kept it in few. I am actually nobody when I started here and from the 3rd world country Philippines (per oligarchy is concern I’m not from the elite country), but, as you can see I managed to get the merit needed for a Hero member (your interpretation of oligarchy (bitcointalk) is not valid).

Since, I have also read that bitcointalk is more on ‘Politics stuff’, have you ever seen me post or have merits by publishing my works or what I have done to our community? No. While people are celebrating and publishing what they have done, which really contributes in our community, I am just reading them because I know part of me helped that member (some people will know what I have done in our community even if I am nobody -contributing in private). We all know that politics published things to gain votes, in bitcointalk, it is not defined by how many published stuff you have created, but the impact you have done to our community. Another proof that even a nobody can make a difference-you can do it too, instead of doing this kind of criticism (I am not against criticism-as long as it is for the benefit of our community and constructive) try to find yourself, follow what you think will benefit you and our community-enjoyment.   

A humble advice, merit is hard, merit ruins life, merit is good and blah blah blah- it is all in your mind.
Whatever your mind has defined, it will be your reality.

Good luck!

See you around.