Getting merit this days looks tideous. expecially now that it is needed to move to the next level. we must work harder now. i think the situation on ground is for people to know exactly what the cryptocurrency is all about not just commenting nonsense just to get the junior level.
Why do everyone so concerned about merit system though? It's not like you can't read some threads you're not allowed to post to. IMO just go by the flow, be honest with people, and make your words count, that way you'll get trusted and respected (and in forms of merit too).