I didn't give any help, but I'm glad the harsh initial replies didn't turn you off to the forum.  It's just that whenever a member like you, who's been here for a while and presumably should know how the merit system works starts up a thread asking about the basics, it arouses everyone's suspicions.  There have been so many instances of merit begging threads and all sorts of other nonsense crap since 2018, it's unbelievable.

Also: if you've got all your answers now, you ought to lock the thread.