Yes- it was useful. If you read JetCash's reply why he merited it you will realize that it provided insight.

You will notice that the person who received the merit communicated to Jetcash.

He didn't post some drivel that he though might get merit. Or claim that merit means nothing to them but post primarily in topics about merit.

Because of the new  merit requirement introduction the merit sources and senior members that have merit have been looking for reasons to give merit to genuine forum users. People who want to talk to others and not talk at others.

If you are the type of user that is likely to be a signature spammer or bounty hunter then getting merit will probably be hard.