If someone buys and sells merit it means that he abuses the system.
I can guess that Merit trading is forbidden and those who try to trade Merit will probably get their thread to be deleted.
Merit also very helpful as it gives users the option to thank other users for their posts.
An ability that wasn't available before.
not just to thank you for the posts made. if only referring to the gratitude system, then all posts can be included in the category that gets merit.
More precisely, useful posts will be easier to get merit from others. There are also some special posts that are planned to be awarded a merit prize for everyone who comments on the thread.
It's easy to get merit without having to buy, just by being a good member and following discussions and giving good and quality feedback. other members will appreciate the comments and posts you make.