Update:
I don't think this large drop is still caused by the new Merit rules. I'll keep updating this list, because I expect the post count to go up once Bitcoin starts going up in price.
I still think that it is, since I have also noticed the difference seeing threads with no more posts from newbies that might still be a good indication, you were right tho to just atleast wait for the price to go up but IMO your stats still relates to the current new rule.
If ever that the price will go up and the newbies will be swarming up again then that forfeits your data