The real essence of labour is the harvest. In relation to the forum, the beginning stage is not easy as a newcomer needs to be patient. 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).
Sorry you're wrong here, the harvest isn't the merit you earned, it's all about the knowledge you've earned, merits is just to showcase on how far you have contributed which has indeed touched someone who feels you deserve to be merited.
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".
I don't know the kind of people and members you move with and are telling you all manner of these, in life, don't chase about money, go after the means to make the money, with your knowledge, you can be ten times better than then and this could e even gives you higher prospects ahead of them.