This new rules and regulations that Bitcointalk have implemented really turned the world up side down for new members specially like us Junior Members.  It had to bring all Junior members back to newbie and needs a merit to upgrade their ranks.  It was actually too frustrating degrading the rank but if you will just analyze the situation and the regulations been given, I find it too challenging and it definitely gave us something to make our contribution to every forum we join with more informative.  We can never deny the fact about the disappointment for the demotion we had but I think this should not be the reason to stop and feel upset all the way, but instead, make this as a motivation for us to strive more and show the community how determined you are to share your knowledge and ideas.  It may not be soon to get the merit you have wanted, but you will always have the time and chance to post your queries and those ideas hiding inside your mind.  Forget about the benefits of joining bounties for the mean time and focus more on the contribution you could give to enhance the knowledge of every members who could somehow read and understands it, specially those newbies who needs to learn more than everyone else.  I am sure enough that this new mechanics will not just boosts self esteem for the lower members but it could also give more confidence and determination to prove that whether you'll improve your rank or not, you will always be there to share your thoughts and ideas.