I do get the animosity towards those that appear to be merit fishing, Although, their motivation is there, their application isn't necessarily so. I think getting the pitch fork out, is probably a bad idea, since these types of users can easily adjust, and become valuable users of the forum. There's been many of times where a user has annoyed me a little at first with their posting habits, but years down the line have actually become some of the more prominent users of the forum.
So, while merit fishing should probably be pointed out, I don't think it's a death sentence for a user. They just need to change their thinking a little bit. At the end of the day, if they're posting simply to earn merit, as long as the information is useful, and isn't regurgitated, then I haven't got a problem with their motivations that led to the post, as long as it's of good quality.
I totally agree with you.
None of us (or at least the vast majority) were big experts at the beginning of our crypto journey and as new members on this forum we wrote posts of lower quality, and that's normal.
It's important that the new member feels accepted and welcome on this forum, and that we give him the opportunity to gain some knowledge and experience.
Of course, many new members, as soon as they understand the value of rank and merit on the forum, will do their best to gain merits as soon as possible and advance on the forum.
Some members will earn merits more easily, while other members will have a harder time, but as long as they don't spam the forum, they should be supported and not criticized too much.