But I very much doubt that the increase in the distribution of merit in the beginners sub will have a positive effect on reducing the amount of spam.
I agree with that, and some of your subsequent comments. However, there are two issues here. One is the reduction of spam, and this seems to be the main focus for everybody. Of course this needs to be controlled, but it may not be the major factor that will restrict the growth of the forum. I think the encouragement and development of new members is far more important, and I have noticed that a few of the spammers seem to have moved away from the darkside, and be joining the bright future for Bitcoin.
If we can start some decent discussions, and make them self-moderated to chuck out the spammers and low value posters, then perhaps we can breathe a bit of life into a couple of the heavily polluted boards.