Atleast for a newcomer they should be getting no matter how little some reward for their resources in terms of time and materials. The harvest is the benefit (merit).
The knowledge you gain from joining conversations on the forum is the benefit you get for the time spent here, merits is a by product of joining conversations and dropping valuable and quality posts. As a newbie the focus should be on what to learn. The focus is the same for all ranks up to legendary as well.
when I started discussing my activities and involvement in the forum to some people around me about it, the next question is," how much have u earned", I was absolutely discourage as I remained mute till date. I was seen as a mentor until they got to realise that no pay until time "proves u worthy".
You need a thicker skin and a finer filter. Not all comments should matter to you.