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.

Unfortunately for the majority of members here especially newbies or low-ranked members it's the other way around, they are hungry for merits because it's their way around here in this forum, as long as you are following the forum rules and you're not spamming, you are good to go, merits will eventually come, it's on how you interact, it's not a badge or something you need to cope with this forum.