The harvest is the benefit (merit).
Let the lack of merit on your posts not dissuade you from enjoying your stay here. Just remain focused and at its due time the merit will pour in. Merit shouldn't be the focus here. It wasn't even a thing until in 2018 when it was introduced. Let the free learning you get here be the enticer for you to keep visiting. You will be the better for it on the long run if you remain active here.
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.
Let none of your friends or anyone harass you about your finances. People are fond of doing that even when it's obvious that those who are trying to help them are better off than they're. They will still ask that question about what one has gained financially getting into an online stuff. I encountered that too while starting out in this industry. I did a lot of explanation. This day, I don't even bother with a response.