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.
A fair distribution is a dream for all low ranked members. But removing merit requirements for level up will only increase spamming and shit posts. Instead a modification on smerit will be preferred, making it decentralised and calculated based on some sort of algorithm.
If I may suggest if a certain number of positive responses are made on a user's post the system can do some calculations and decide how many merit the user should earn. Or a vote button made available for users threads such that votes can be made either upward or downward. And the system calculate how to distribute merit based on vote received in a user based on posts made.