Why does it seems like merit begging, what is merit begging because as it seems now it all depends on user preference, what one sees as smart move may be seems by another as dumb (with regards to the upper rank members).
When you follow someone and and ask his money, merit, it is begging. If you ask his merit, it is merit begging. If you ask his money, it is money begging.
Certain users are designated as "merit sources". They can create new merit out of nothing, up to a limited number per month (which differs per source). I will not be posting a definitive list of merit sources (so that people don't bug them too much), though you'll soon figure out who they are if you pay attention.
Do not beg for merit excessively.