Is there a way to search for hero or higher members with at least 10 merit and make that a list to follow?
Hmm, if you really want to follow the forum's veterans then worry no more because you can easily distinguish them since their names are already quite popular here. Some good users are Quickseller, Vod, actmyname, jackg, nullius (with expert-like postings) and theymos of course.
I don't think 10 merits is a good filter. I see a lot of high ranked members posting trash in Altcoin Discussion & relating boards. I think most of the high ranks in this Meta board fit your need. They're mostly old members of the forum, dedicated and knowledgeable.
You've got a point somehow, I just disagree a little bit about the "10 merit" thing. Because for me, we don't have the right to discount every merit they have, whether few or many, it still matters and proves that they are not a trash.