I believe that at least one high ranking individual is being paid to wear that avatar, but apparently others are wearing it to promote whatever this represents.
Actually, you've got it backwards. Nearly everyone wearing that avatar is being paid to do so, and only a few have ever worn simply to promote whatever it represents. Even though all it represents is
a practical joke that got way out of hand. It's just a friendly jab at those who accuse high-ranking forum members of merit cycling, that's all.
I'm confused. You say "accuse" as if it's not true that high-ranking forum members cycle merits between each other when:
1) You point blank said that exactly what you guys do. It's not a joke, it's just merit abuse done out in the open.
YOU (A MERIT SOURCE) gives Merits to Other Sources... And Vice Versa??? A looping of Merits within the sources?
Yes, although it isn't strictly necessary for either of the parties involved to be sources; it's just easier for sources since they have more merits to cycle.
2) bpip proves it
Though hey, lets be a simpleton for a moment and just ask some questions as if I am an idiot who just got here and believes that the merit cycling thing is a joke (and not something made out to be a joke but is a real thing)...
1. Do you think that merit abuse is a real thing and that (high ranking) members are farming alt accounts for profit through things such as signature campaigns?
2. Do you think that merit abuse is a real problem that has enabled bad people to become influential/profit excessively from the forum?
3. If you think either of the above are true, who do you think are the culprits?
Since you are someone who has been on the forum for so long, I would love to know your opinion and thoughts.