Quote link removed because further discussion is impossible in that thread - it is locked.  If Theymos is re-working the merit system, shouldn't the community be involved?    We can get rid of all these application threads, remove all bias and increase proper merit distribution.

The trust system is centralized - Theymos chooses the private lottery requirements.  The merit system needs to be decentralized for balance.   We should use this thread to discuss merit system replacements.   If Theymos is going to change his personal and private requirements, we'll just wind up with another system that scratches the back of the one who scratches you.

I've suggested that smerit automatically be distributed based on activity.   The higher ranked, more active members would get more smerit than the lower ranks; this does not duplicate the activity value, as that is beneficial to the giver, while smerit is beneficial only to the receiver.   I have no ideas about the formula needed - that can be discussed - but I do believe the merit system (and trust system) should be documented like the ranks, signatures, badges, posting requirements and avatars are.   i.e.  The lottery is based on this and this, all publicly verifiable via blockchain.  You receive xx smerits per day/week based on this formulas, etc.

If Theymos designs another closed/centralized system after his last couple screw ups, as a community we'll need to address that.    Merit is required to advance and make money in this environment paid for by members like me.  If he wants to restrict earnings to his friends only, he should announce that, or make the rules open and fair.   Every CEO in the world would be investigated for wasting a billion US dollars.  :/

How would you like to see the merit system reworked?  Make distribution fair, remove merit requirements for level up, modify smerit > merit calculation?    Write now or don't complain if you don't like the new system.