Just a small update here, in case some missed it : Theymos just implemented some new rules for newbie/junior members. Newbies now need 1 merit to become a Jr Member. Here is the link :
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5030366.0

Hopefully, this will reduce spams bot a lot ! He also added 36 new merit sources.

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Also, hilariousetc opened a similar topic in meta section, which seems more appropriate.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4893744.0