Yes, it is. Do you think / assume / have evidence that there is also payment-based merit sending? Like users paying others for earning merits.
I don't understand why these users exchange merits though. If I could (for instance) buy 10,000 merits and be a shitposter, would anyone look at me as a serious user? Would I be able to be a campaign member? I am sure not.
Many don't think the same
If there's a likelihood they can be accepted they will take it.
Besides all they have to do is focus on a board they are relatively good at.
But as time goes on it becomes easier to tell the merit were farmed when it's from a particular user or users.