With the new 36 sources of merit, I think it will not be so difficult to get merit, I have always tried to maintain the quality of my post, but there are pretty good bounties that ask for too many posts and that increase the chance of making a low quality one, it is also something that can be reviewed. Local boards I think can be improved too, like allocating a weekly resource of merit there for quality posters.
I feel the same with you, but let's think positively. There is no point in complaining, we better use the time to find something more useful. The new rules can change our mindset to a better direction and can indirectly support higher quality forums.