OP have earned most of big amount merit from Art contest, and that's he is wondering earn merit is very easy task. I know, it is possible even you can achieve Legendary rank by earn merit. But don't forget there might not another art contest. Merit earning isn't hard for good contributors, but it's not very easy for all over forum users. I believe 50% users still didn't earned single merits. That means earning merit is very difficult for them.

For me, current merit system and rank system working fine. Why should ee discourage new users to join this forum by implement something hard. Just let to go as it is.