I started as a newbie with 0 Merits, just like the others, S_Therapist, r1s2g3, mdayonliner and so on. And as you can see I'm already one of the Full Member League.
Just hoping you aren't an alt account like the cross users above as
accused by hilariousetc 
Just joking. No doubt the above account have contributed positively especially S_Therapist that's why they get rewarded with merits and ranked up. Congrats on your ranking up too. I notice you participating in jet cash's
My 25 sMerit offer for a single post contest fastened your ranking up process.
No offends but your post contradict you title "simple" remove the simple. if I was to give a simple tip I'll make it simple, maybe something like post right, post with quality, avoid quote spamming and in addition have a good posting history simple. The tips is just too long mate.