Deceptive behaviour is flag-worthy, see theymoses quote on account sales[1].
OP didn't asked TMAN to give merits to him or put on some highly intelligent trap to gain those merits hence not deceptive.
Any kind of highly deceptive behaviour is flag-worthy, there is no going around this. Precedent has been set. Why are you guys trying to defend people who are trying to defraud others (regardless in what way, even if it something as simple as merits)?