I am currently the 95th most merited person on the forum and in the just under 16 months since the merit system was introduced, I have not yet received sufficient merit required to become a hero member. I was around when a lot of sMerit was airdropped to everyone and a lot of merit was being given out by a lot of people. There are more merit sources now, but much fewer people are now giving out merit.
The above means less than 95 people have become hero members, I know only a small handful of people have become legendary. I dont know off hand how many have become senior members but I am pretty sure it isnt many.
Based on the above, I think the merit system needs to be tinkered with a little bit.
I always look upon your ideas especially in the some serious discussions like this. I agree with you and not only for higher members but also to low rank users. Not, all can create a good or constructive post that can be merited.
And I am one of the proof to it. LOL