I disagree, there's no criteria or requirement in order to earn merit, just like my post below, I only post two words + image and I got 5 merits so far.
Lengthy article only make your post high unlikely get deleted, but it's not related to merit.
Merit is just like a gift, don't expect anyone e.g. friends, girlfriend, parents etc will give you something on your birthday.
Maybe its the quote that helps given you the merit, besides loyceV will not just give merit if he has not seen something about your post, even an image can say it all, although, members have different ways of understanding a post, if they appreciate it, they will give merits, if not some will appreciate, that's my take.Lengthy article only make your post high unlikely get deleted, but it's not related to merit.
Merit is just like a gift, don't expect anyone e.g. friends, girlfriend, parents etc will give you something on your birthday.
Oh well...
