some are that way. but many of us never applied and just logged in one day and were informed we were now merit sources.
Only late merit sources had to make applications and wait for approvals from theymos.When merit system was kicked off, there are merit sources and they got that directly from theymos. Maybe with or without invitation or agreement, I don't know exactly but perhaps theymos did sent invitations and wait for agreements before assigning merit source to a user.
Maybe first 35 merit sources are mostly forum admins and staffs.
Does that mean all merit sources are hand selected?
Right. There are about 35 right now.
I added more. 
By no means is the set of merit sources or their sMerit/month static. I will be adjusting it a lot as needed, especially in the beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if there are 100-200 sources in a year from now.
By no means is the set of merit sources or their sMerit/month static. I will be adjusting it a lot as needed, especially in the beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if there are 100-200 sources in a year from now.