Is begging merits prohibited? feel like this is the only way to me 
Begging merit is not bring ban but definitely bring a red trust.
Before you feel that begging is only way to get Merits then let me help you with some post that will deliver Merit for your knowledge and the post content.
Try your luck in these below challenge and stop begging.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5000900.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2968050.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4990682.msg45016938#msg45016938