OP looks like you are concerned that some members here did not worked hard to get merits and were promoted to higher ranks before merit system was introduced. But what benefit they have? If they are not able to get recent merits, they will not be accepted in current or new signature campaigns. This is because recent merits are requirements to get accepted in most of signature campaigns.

I can understand that these feelings might be coming because of jealousy and it is natural. We just need to behave more mature and be accommodating and kind to the world.