I'm new here. What's all about this merit count? How is it earned? I'm assuming it's linked to the quality/usefulness of your posts/replies? Their originality maybe? What are usually the subjects you'd get the more merit for posting about?
You probably have had several anwsers to your question, but then, I am still happy to further say that you are right with all that you said about merit, merit is one of the most important aspect of this forum as far as a user is intrested in ranking up and staying relevant, and earning merit on this forum is very easy, all one have to do is make really good and quality posts, doesnt matter whether if it's a new thread you are starting or you are just commenting on another thread, make really good quality post or comment, and readers will gladly send you merits depending on the level at which they understand what you said and found it useful or very useful.