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!
This is indeed touching... You have created time to research, work hard to earn this, lot of experience you have pass through at the cause of the journey, i wonder if you could remember your first expression of joy the first time you had your first merit as a newbie, when you also got your 100 merits as full member and the subsequent merits on each rank, honestly am touched by this as well, you could have pass through many forum challenges but yet you remain commited in giving out the best, another thing i like about the forum is that no one is allowed to rank up being a spammer or shitposter which is justifiable enough not to talk of getting to this far, your good works and sacrifices made brought you this achievement which is now what everyone sees as a success, Congratulations!