You're right that it looks weird. There are too many merits in such a short time, and although the posts are OK and are worthy of some merits it's not normal to receive so many, for example in the speculation threads you don't usually receive many merits. Let's see this one:
Another merited post in question, 26 merits.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5482609.msg63543457#msg63543457Bitcoin dip below $40,000 yesterday which most people thought was going to be the support or lowest price of the market as we were all bullish after Bitcoin ETF got approval from the security & exchange commission. The price of Bitcoin has recovered to trading above $40,000 but it might dip again therefore I'm writing this thread to advice the forum members not to panic. I haven't been too long in the industry as I started my journey recently but during my research and comparing Bitcoin prices before and after the halving, I noticed Bitcoin has never crossed the ATH before the halving but many people are thinking it'll do that this year rather I noticed that it always dips before the halving and that what is happening to the market therefore we shouldn't not be alarmed, this is what happens always from the history of Bitcoin and history always repeats in the market. Lets be guided and don't lose faith as the market is only dipping not crashing.
Although one of those who gives it a merit is DdmrDdmr, who I doubt very much is part of any farm at all, 26 merits for that OP seems clearly too many for what is usually given in that section.
Another one that draws even more attention:
For the short term, Bitcoin trading at $50,000 isn't good as many traders will begin to take profits and this will bring selling pressure that'll make Bitcoin to drop in price. A sign to know when to take profit for traders or those that are investing for the short term is when Bitcoin starts getting to many praises and we're not in the bull market season. The hype will make traders and Investors to start taking profits. Another sign is when your exit target has been reached. If you had a target to sell at $50,000, you should sell and not allow other to convince you. Many people will always be saying Bitcoin will continue rising but Bitcoin takes a break after rising for sometime and I think we're around that period that Bitcoin will experience a correction therefore my advice isn't for holders but traders.
11 merits for that post that is written on page 3 of the speculation section? But if people usually when the thread is on page 3 don't even read the previous comments. I have written posts very similar to that one and I doubt very much that I have received more than a couple of merits, especially if the post is in the middle of page 3.