This is very correct sir and the merit system is working effectively. Maybe I used the wrong word to express my point. However, let me rephrase and see if you, @Charles-Tim and @Pokapoka124 will understand me better. Reward I meant is not monetary, which cannot be unless from campaign.
Let me draw an instance from a firm that has employees. Salary can be likened to the merit system here. All staff are entitled to salary provided you accomplish your job specifications. Some staff may receive something lesser than the standard salary because of irregularities and inability to accomplish task, which is likened to inability to earn good merits. Cool, then some good staff who do well may receive Bonuses (additional reward), job security, promotions etc.
I might be very much out of tracks in my suggestions because here is a forum and not a company. However I have a group of children I mentor, I used the system of additional reward to make every one the best.

Yes, in their guess to hit the moon (additional reward), they all landed at the star(the set goal)
Since my interest in this thread is on quality and regularity, hence my submission.
Perfect peace!