Thanks to merit system that users cannot climb up the ranking just by count of posts and activity as merit is required because I have seen people used to make numerous posts even single or two worded to climb the ladder of the ranks before merit was made mandatory for ranking system.
I kind of like the merit system and how it all works as it encourages and help people to get intentional regarding the kind of topics and contribution that is coming from there end. I believe that if you organically build your account from newbie into a full member, it should call for respect and celebration because it is an indication of your positive contribution to the forum. Whoever I receive any merit for making any contribution in the forum, it gives me this sense if fulfilment that I am headed in the right direction and will also encourage me to do better.