Yes, of course you have to get merit to change/raise your rank, but you have to meet other requirements besides getting merit, in the form of Activity.

New/Beginner (0 activities, 0 achievements) Member
junior (30 activities, 1 achievement required)
Members ( 60 activities, 10 achievements required)
Full member (120 activities, 100 achievements required)
Senior members (240 activities, 250 achievements required)
Hero members (480 activities, 500 achievements required)
Legendary member (960-1000 activity, 1000 achievement required)

or you can visit the link below
Source: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5170032.msg51993801#msg51993801