That would mean a new user who doesn't speak English can't post anywhere, and thus can't earn Merit either.
Indeed and that would be a real trouble for newbies. LOL. Actually I have thought of this so this could be a another problem if OP's demand will be granted.
local boards will limit only to higher ranks or to those who are qualified to post in the local boards and the newbies with great and brilliant minds will be limited to this.
Struggle is real for the newbies in their local board and that is not how the admin would want to happen. Administrator are more considerate than to what I expected. Probably, the problem will not be addressed or resolve by creating sub merit system for their local boards. It is in their local board has the problem and not the forum itself.