If anything I believe this system just created yet one more way for higher ranks to keep monopoly over yet another "trust" system.

Let's face it, an un-established user would need to post either the cure to cancer, or to fork a cure to solve all unconfirmed bitcoin txs -and even then, MAYBE- he'll get one or two merits simply because he's not part of the top well-known 10% that browses Bitcointalk.

And because "merit sources" are obviously part of this 10%, it will only further benefit them into boosting their alts merit, making it harder and harder for members below the poverty line seniority line to make any money from sig campaigns, or any offers that take into account this account criteria.

It's really sad because I've had to deal with a lot of accounts, that are good, honest and serious people, but never really stand out because they don't intentionally deal with specific people to farm trust, or don't have some explosively booming business. (because guess what, unless you're already well known, no one is going to deal with you anyways! And vice versa, regardless of your offered service. No offense against TheButterZone, just trying to prove a point.)

What I'm trying to say is that it's easy to make constructive, well-written posts that contribute to the discussion, it's just that the majority of people doing it are incentivized. And I don't blame them, I wouldn't write a post like this unless I was paid for it, or I was emotionally invested into it.

So good job theymos, for once again increasing the entry barrier for any user without enough money to waste on an contemporary art piece or a lamborguini to boost his stats.