I don't think anyone was deluded enough to think this would stop the spam completely. It was meant to be an extra step to make it harder for the spammers.

So far the results are visible: The new rule (1 Merit for Jr. Member) is already reducing spam; + see Theymos' post within the thread: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5032314.msg45912431#msg45912431

But I do understand where you're coming from. I am hesitant in rewarding good posts by newbies if there's a lot of spam in their posting history. There's too much risk they'll return to the old habits as soon as they have that +1 merit.

Oh well, lets give it time.