Lately, it’s been looking like this place is just for the high-ranking members, especially those in DT. Let’s be real, how do you explain someone sharing a random image and bagging 10 or 20 merits, while someone putting in the effort with solid posts gets nothing? It’s like Theymos isn’t paying attention to what’s happening. The forum is slowly losing its purpose. Is this what Satoshi had in mind? A space where newbies can’t grow unless they ‘farm’ merits? Meanwhile, the DT guys are just cycling merits among themselves and adding each other to their trust lists.
There isn't as bad a situation as you describe. If you put effort into your post, your effort will be appreciated. It takes time, not only merits but you need activity to rank up. You get one activity per day. If you want to become Senior Member, you need to be active on this forum for at least 240 days. To become a Hero Member, you need to be active for at least 480 days. During these days, if you put effort in your posts, you should be able to get 250-500 merits.
theymos implemented a Merit-based ranking system because there were lots of signature spammers registering on this forum. The merit system doesn't stop any newbie from growing, they are free to ask questions, get answers and help others. Signature campaigns are a privilege. It takes a few months to become a Senior Member and almost a year to become a Hero Member.