The merit system was created to help the forum to cope with some members. It was not created for members to cope with the forum. 
Funny because spam and empty calorie posts seem to be at an all-time high.
So much meaningless drivel written every day for the sake of meeting posting requirements.
Of course how do I convince anybody I'm not the same with a signature beneath my text.
I hope they can still tell the difference.
Having said that, there is some decent advice in OP's statement that I wish new users would employ:
Try to learn about Bitcoin too and most especially stop thinking about getting merit and browse the forum for learning.. That,s is the easiest way to get merit..