Members, reputable members. Was it better before back then when this forum was without merits or is it better or even much better now with merits? Please explain your answer so users like me can get an idea how it was and what you prefer.

Obviously, much better now. Although I am a user after the implementation of the merit system and I know how a newbie initially struggles to rank up. But anyway I would say the merit system has saved the forum from being worthless. Otherwise, the legendary rank holder who ranked up by shitposting would have reached millions by now,

Anyway, I won't say that merit system is directly removing shitposts/spamposts from the forum or is implemented to remove it, I think the main reason for employing merit system is to stop those shit posters from ranking up.

The simple truth is that the merit system is a natural way to filter the forum by moderating it all by itself. Of course, this can't be a perfect way of moderation but it tries so well as we can all see and has lessened the work of the moderators too. I wonder how the forum would have been if this had not been implemented. If too many shitposts and spamming were not happening then, there will not be a reason for implementing the merits system.
As it is now, it is really working with no regrets, only that those who have sMerit should continue to use it judiciously and not partially so that it will not be difficult for those deserving it to get it. This is the only issue about the merit system, the distribution could be partial and some who deserve it most might not get it compared to those who deserve it less who get it more.