We all need such massively positive effect.
This is one of main reasons why I have a idea that someday, @Theymos should implement new rank requirement which focus on the automatically raised required merits for each rank chronologically.
What I meant is, over a schedule timeframe, for instance 6 months, users at each rank have to satisfy their required merits (new required ones) in order to keep staying at their current ranks. If not, they will be automatically demoted.
To be more clarified, if someone is a Full Member for now, and fortunately stood at the rank with 100 automatically airdroped merits because they was Full Member before the beginning day of the system. Then, what will happen if those guys have perfect opportunities to stay at Full Member rank forever?
It is truly un-fair, right? If someone can not earn even 1 or 10 merit over six months, it makes a lot of sense. And, those ones should be demoted somehow, in my stance.
As you wondered, Spambies are not only Newbies, old Junior Members, but also included some higher-ranked users.
You have to understand as well that not all poster here has a high standard. That is the reason why demoting somebody is not allowable and not fair as well in my opinion.
This forum consists a lot of different type of posters
Highest standards quality posters.
Above average standard quality posters.
Average standard quality posters.
Below standard
Spammers.
Now most of the average standards and below standard posters doesn't get merits for some reason that includes(posting into wrong threads,wrong timing in which their good posts were not recognized)
You have a lot of holes for your idea. Another disadvantage is that there are some users here who are actually just providing their services and will only reply to those and take note that most of them are not getting merits as they are not that active. Therefore no watter what will you do for me theymos will also has the same reasoning for that and will not consider demoting certain users.