It's not about rank here in forum as long as you can contribute something good and new knowledge to forum and bitcoin community there is certain reward for you're effort. I agree some hold off their smerit, but Im pretty sure those are people who are afraid or yet really dont like some post they are seeing. A lot of factors for this so dont be so general for everyone. Not all is like that.
The most merited post are usually base on their contribution in this market, its not that easy of course so they really deserve to receive such merit however, we cannot force anyone to give merit even if there's a good post in front of us. Don't think about your rankings now, just try to be more creative and continue to do good things for sure you will earn some merit passively and without knowing it. Some users are too generous on giving merit, so I believe we are still surrounded by good people.