Well, even if people didn't announce they had become sources, it wouldn't have taken long for others to notice. 
After a long time, theymos made an update to the list of merit sources. Some inactive sources were removed, some those who applied were accepted. I won't name names here, but it'll soon become clear who the new sources are.
An update regarding merit system was needed. I see this as a positive development for the forum. Good luck to all new merit sources. So 17 new MS if my calculations are correct. I see Theymos wanted to buy a bit of peace 
I feel sorry for the next person who will start a topic to become a MS, because he/she will be waiting a long, long time
. From what can be seen, 8 members have confirmed that they have become MS, and there are another 14 people on the public list who have applied, including myself. I haven't received any message yet, nor do I see anything changed on the sMerits page.
This would literally mean that there will be no new MS until the end of this decade.