This is nothing new and have been discussed several times.
This fact will not make merits go away, it would most likely make other changes to be made.
Several high ranking members have already discussed some ideas in META, whihc in my mind would be a HUGE plus for forum:
- Disable signatures for all Jr.Members who have no merit at all.
- Or disable them for good.
I feel this your opinion speaks selfishness. That you have the merits to attain the member position doesn't mean you have more quality threads or replies than other people who are still in the junior member rank. Allow everyone to benefit from what you are benefiting... don't block the road for others just because u have something they don't have.