We saw in our forum that last year a contest was started to celebrate Halloween from 7th of October but why not this year.

But you registered just a few days ago, how do you know about last year's Halloween contest? Tongue

I can literally see the disappointment of those who have registered a bunch of alternative accounts, expecting quick fishing for merit.

Haha yes! Some of them probably already carved the pumpkins in the anticipation of shower merit. Cheesy

Likewise, I wonder if we open a competition without the condition that posts will be judged on merit, will it have the same popularity?

It maybe wouldn't be as popular as the last year's one but rest assured there would be bunch of them who would be happy with even a few merits.