No system can be perfect but so far, since the merit introduction, the forum has taken another shape in respect to quality post. Usually this type of topic are started by lower rank users complaining of not receiving merit but I'm glad you're a legendary rank user that means you truly want answers to your question instead of an attent to draw attention to yourself.
Back to your questions,
- Are merits actually being circulated between those who really need it?
Yes, the merits are been circulated between not just those who truly need it but those who deserve the merits. For more info visit the
recent merit stats board or keep an eye on this thread "
[LOG] The ranked up members - Congratulations!"- Are they also helping out others through their sMerits?
You mean the merit receivers? Well it's not an obligation to merit others so it's their choice but we have the merit source to fill-in those space for them and in the near future rules will be implemented to decay unused smerit.
Although there are those who give them out, like
See Smerit as liabilities to myself and an Asset to others and give them away to deserving users immediately I get them.
and this topic starter "
Giving 17 Newbie Members a Chance to Rank Up To J. Member" he started from 4 and now 17 newbies. I can't mention all but we have those who do so. .