I'm posting this because it's impossible to become a merit source without an app.
Even though it is (very) rare, that's tehnically not correct as few members got merit source status 2 years ago when theymos did merit "readjustement" without applying to be a merit source.
Wasn't that 4 years ago? I recall it being 2019 when Theymos told me I was now a merit source and to go forth and prosper. Lol.
Well, maybe it happened then as well (it was probably before my time here) but it also happened in summer of 2021 (which was the last time theymos introduced new merit sources) as one of our local board member got a merit source status without ever applying for one. So yeah, it is possible but it's definitely better to apply than wait for a miracle.