In the same way as merit started to matter in (some) bounty /signature campaigns, sooner or later those badges may matter too. Also, humans are suckers for badges, you should know that.
While this may be possible, i think this doesn't make much sense, does it ?
(Especially) signature campaigns focus on good post quality.
Merit does - more or less - directly reflect exactly that. Badges for good reports are not an indication for high post quality.
Being a good poster and bringing value in terms of knowledge into this forum does not automatically mean engaging in the 'forum politics' (or call it whatever you want).
But i agree with your last statement, everyone loves shiny internet points
Correct. But nothing stops them ask - sooner or later - actually care about this forum. And there's the new shiny badge that's being invented.
You also admitted that Merit is not necessarily a reflection of post quality. So it doesn't help campaigns that much.
On the other hand, in the same way a Legendary is paid better for the same posts as a Hero, some extra badge may (or may not) count / look better / give more weight.
And we are back to the humans as suckers for badges
I didn't mean have them stop posting, I just mean, stop paying them once they've earned their $5 (Which is a couple of meals in the countries where most shitposts come from)
I guess that you didn't realize yet that there are campaigns that pay more than 5$ for one post. Of course, such campaigns are (in theory) more strict and their posters are expected to post meaningful and helpful things (as opposed to spamming/shitposting).
So, as already said, the price measure is completely wrong, it will not stop the spam.