This has obviously explained that you haven't read through the rules and the sticky notes on each and every board-- including this one....no you haven't, if you have then you won't be asking a question like this.
It is a fact that a lack of reading habits will lead one to get lost even if it is quite clearly sticky on the main page. OP didn't read or could have easily dismissed it, but now he has nice addition to how to use the forum.
Merit doesn't come suddenly without some extra effort put into making quality posts. Not a single newbie after the implementation of this merit system will rank up if they don't care about the quality of the posts
[nothing is magical] unless some of their friends support their futile efforts. But by reading a lot, understanding the rules and getting good idea for post, they will have a good chance of getting what they want. OP should realize that the merit system is the most successful way of preventing rank up spammers, and that's how it is.