Do you seriously wanna argue with him? [especially on this issue]? I'd only say the same thing in a different context.
Just coulnd't ignore that nonsense that lack of merit caused decrease if the forum activity. 
The reason for decrease in forum activity is not really the availability of merit.
But talking about Indian Local board it definitely is one of the reason why the place is becoming ghosted.
Heisenberg_Hunter, you should look into the distribution of source merit (if you are still a merit source) to revive our board before it becomes too late.