Doesn't that happen only when you're at Newbie rank or something like that?  I swear when I was new here I had no clue whatsoever as to how the ranks worked, and I just kept posting and ranking up--this was before the merit system came down from on high from Theymos on what was probably the most drama-filled day/week/month I've ever experienced on bitcointalk.

Anyway, in addition to echoing everyone's "be patient!" comments I'd add that OP and Nwada001 are fortunate to have enough merits stacked up such that they'll reach their next rank just by gaining activity points.  It could be a hell of a lot worse, and it is for a lot of members who have a hard time making posts good enough to earn merits.  So I'd say you've both got luxury problems, so to speak.  Just wait until you're eligible to get Legendary rank.  It's a crapshoot as to what activity count you'll actually achieve it, and if you're impatient now just check back when you're a Hero with 1000 merits or more and you've hit the minimum activity for Legendary.  Every week you'll be pulling your hair out.  Lol.