Another thing I noticed in the merit system: almost all merit goes to people who already have merit. It's like in society, where rich people, like to be around rich people and help each other getting richer. If a newbie (or poor guy) comes up with something he/she often does not get the credit for it.
I would send you a Merit-Point. But I dont have any left. Because I think you are right - you made a good conclusion. For well-established users its easier to get merits. That why i proposed the change to let people rank up without merits. But dont let people use signatures without merits. There are a lot of prejudices. Prejudices against the post of newbies.