OP, opening this thread is in bad light; considering that it was opened barely 24hrs after your registration on this forum. Yeah, you're simply telling us that you've been here longer that we officially know for you to have come to the conclusion that it's difficult getting merit as newbies.

Well, for your question, I think the best way to get merit is to engage in conversations aimed at providing information to issues raised by other members. Contribute something meaningful without any intention of getting rewarded for it. Trust me, someone will read your posts and find them worthy to place merit on. Be passionate about what you do here. On the long run that will pay off.