As a member of the forum and you're not growing in knowledge of the main purpose for which the forum was created for then it's a waste of time and energy for you. The forum is not just about earnings so if your growth in the forum is focused in ranks you are basically not growing.
Unfortunately, there are members here who are not growing, I'm not saying I have the numbers or what. But if you look at the newbies who's intention is to join bounties and thinking of money. Instead of just learning it first and see what this community is all about.
Specially in 2017, wherein there was a large group of individuals was caught, as if they are really working in a ring and joining campaigns. Thus, Theymos created a merit system to at least combat this people.