Sometimes the merit is one of the main reason why other submit their arts since there are generous forum member gives a good amount of merits on the submissions made by the participants so even if they didn't win in the contest still their effort has been paid off due to the merit they get. Maybe some other didn't expect with the prize since there are so many talented forum users join the contest.
I am not agree with your point that you forum member submit their arts to get merit. They submit their art as it is a competition. It is not a fact either become winner or not. If those person who would not be winner would not take part on the competition then no competition would happen in the world.
Roobet host a lot of great art competition and that is not about merit though, the reward is big so if you have the talent on art why not participate?
I also don’t think people participate for merit because as I can see on many art contest with Roobet not all arts have merit, meaning there’s no assurance that you can get merit and if I were to participate, I will surely aim for the reward and not for merit.
I always participate on Roobet art contest because of the reward, and you can’t see such amount of money if you just sell your art so this is an opportunity to earn which as an artist, should not be disregarded.
Well, merit is there since people appreciate your art and there’s no wrong about it, everyone is open to participate and you’re lucky if you win and have some merit. As for me, Roobet is the best and very generous.