Anyone who have the interest of the forum at heart will agree to this especially if that individual have been around for at least two of those three eras (stages) you listed above. This system (merit) brought about more informative, educational and captivating topic. The merit system have achieve its initial purpose (that's bringing about quality discussion). We just have to build on it from here henceforth.

OP, congratulations on your soon to rank up. Thought you'll get there before @cabalism13 though you're almost there. It has been a journey, can remember our days of Full member like yesterday, another user I'm routing for is @r1s2g3. Took you guys long enough though congratulations.