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?
For someone to earn merit on the forum just like you said that is linked to the quality/usefulness of your post and replies, that is very understandable. but outside that i don't really think that there is quickest way to earn merit rather to identify your area of specialization, identify the boards that you can make quality contributions, useful suggestions and make an educating post that people can learn from, then merits will come.
most times, you often see your post as quality post and reasonable replies and at same time you will be expecting to be merited but at the end you will not see any merits , just have it in mind that the merits source have seen your quality post and good replies and they will give you merit when the time comes , hence , the summary here is that you can earn merits through a quality post and reasonable replies and nothing much.