if someone does not receive merit, they may become frustrated about not ranking up and not be as active as they may otherwise be.
Absolutely, even in the main board the same thing happens that is why we can see decrease in the activity all over the forum, some people doesn't really receive what they deserve to be.There is no point of holding sMerits so people should be so generous while sending merits when they see a post which is worthy to be read by other members.