The problem with this kind of behavior is that it will encourage the forum to become an echo chamber, and will encourage others to agree with those who clearly have merit to spend.
That is one of the issues u have also noticed with users taking sides to try and get favour from higher ranked members
And some members use it as a reward for agreeing with them. (Some merit sources as well)
Meriting something you agree with is quite a task, but merits should be given you deserving posts regardless of your position, and point of view.
We might need a full guideline on how to merit posts and not just a few lines in the official rules.