Just imagine if theymos will introduce a 1 earned merit requirement to display signature for all accounts no matter the rank 
I bet in a month you will see those numbers triple, especially since most merit sellers have probably depleted their stash.
I bet in a month you will see those numbers triple, especially since most merit sellers have probably depleted their stash.
That would be a very interesting development. And I see no reason why it should not be implemented.
If a user is ranked to be a Sr member or legendary mamber based in airdropped merits, they should be tasked to defend their position.
And one merit should not be a problem.
Also lower ranks would stop feeling like there's a vendetta against them.
Interesting statistics from the OP.
Also note that you're considering the actual worth.
The account buyers plan to earn more than they paid for it. Through the combination of effort put into it.