The introduction of merit system to Bitcointalk is a great idea aimed to reduce spamming and low quality contributions. But I believe that it should be implemented in a way that also favors newbies in ranking up. Some members are engaged in merit racketeering or trading, and that may make it harder for low ranked members to rank up as they do not belong to this "special group".
I don't know if there is a special group or maybe something like that, even a newbie user has an easier chance of receiving merit if he really contributes and is of good quality. When you realize the purpose of merit itself, it also means that all users will be treated the same without exception because after all, if you are qualified to get merit then there will be many users who will also support you to increase your ranking, right.