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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.
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Can't agree - I'm the best example that you are wrong. During last 3 weeks I didn't invent cure for cancer and didn't solve any unconfirmed bitcoin txs either what I sincerely regret. Unfortunately I'm not a part of the top well-known 10% that browses Bitcointalk - probably I'm a part of the top unknown 10%...
However, even without such contribution and connections I managed to get some merits. And I'm certainly not an exception what you can check in one of my last posts
MYTHBUSTERS: Only high ranked users are rewarded with merits So don't look for Freemasonry here... It's hard to believe but merits are open for everybody...
I'm not saying that it's easy to get one but surely they are achievable to most of users...
EDIT: Oh! Look you've just got one!!!