I don't know if it's just my impression or what. And I don't know if it's just a coincidence. What is clear is that if you open threads (if they don't suck) it's easier to get merits. I don't know if they know it and that's why.
Probably 1/100 will get merit or two by doing this and also only if they create a thread for the valid query which isn't too easy to search at bitcointalk or Google. But there are newbies who become most top merited members with their contribution and knowledge so as youtube says "Content is the King" which means when someone got the potential along with a bit of luck then they will get recognition.