It is true that spammers are still there but many members and moderators are contributing to weed them out. But if you talk about before the merit system is implemented, then you become a senior member by posting only 250, then quickly join a signature campaign and get weekly money, is that the case?
Spammers are active and are being purged as well, but currently, I am happy with the current merit system, at least spammers with 250 posts activity can no longer be senior members or any other member rank.