It is as simple as that, which is why  I see no sense in the OP except that he had to make this post out of ignorance as being a newbie not knowing that users are likely to get inflow of merits when they are few merits to ranking  up. It's a form of encouragement from other users especially from merit sources. I have had similar experience at the different points of ranking up. Perhaps  @BD User should redirect his energy in building his account as he could also receive similar gesture in the future.