I think our newbies should take their time and understand the merit system very well. Merit is not mainly made for rank advancement, though it is one of the requirements.
Merit was not created for rank improvement. In fact the reverse is true, as merit ws created to block upranking, and activity is the engine for rank improvement. Merit was created as a barrier to restrict the advancement of the unworthy. Unfortunately most of the unworthy are noisy pollutants, and as a result of their actions, advancement is slowed for the worthy but unnoticed.