In the beginning I was also not getting merits because was not enough passionate and dedicated to learn about bitcoin but once I decided to learn, it reflected in my posts quality and merits on my profile and then there was no looking back.So just be patient and exchange knowledge on the forum and this thread serves as a motivation to all to rank up on forum.
Also don't forget that getting merit is difficult, but keeping getting merit is even more difficult: keeping an high standard is fundamental.
And I also think I am struggling at times to keep my standard: good posting is a time intensive activity!
Four years old here In forum but manage 10000 merit earned in all time, it seems like a magic or you have a turbo speed interms of earning merits? Just kidding . Honestly in my own perspectives as well everything we achieve here in forum is from our knowledge because what I observed many user here in forum who is knowledgeable they are also in top most recognize, and top merit earners. If a user focus on learning and also share his/her knowledge to us then thousands of merits will achieve.