Thank you for your list of topics. Most of them are more suitable for standard thread posts rather than blog entries, but I will touch on a few of the points in the 'daily' comments. Some I have already posted in various locations.
I started a thread at Fit to Talk entitled 'How to create good posts, and build your reputation at Bitcoin Talk', but I didn't get any feedback on it, so I haven't added the last few posts, - https://fittotalk.com/english-talk/index.php?topic=27.0
There isn't a comprehensive description of the new merit system, and this is something that I plan to write in the near future, There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of the system, and how it is of great benefit to the forum.
I'm not the best person to write about trust. I don't use it, and I don't have a deep understanding of the system. I believe that the more general and nebulous concept of reputation is more important. I may discuss that.
Merit abuse is a serious problem in my opinion, but there are a number of members here that are making valuable contributions to help in its reduction. The statistical analyses are obvious example.
With the exception of a number of basic points, ways of gaining merits is a subjective opinion. There are numerous guides here that have been created by merit awarders, and I started the Fit to Talk project to help people to create meritable posts. The paucity of members utilising or signing up for these projects shows that very few are prepared to make any effort, but expect merits to be provided to help them with the difficulties in their personal lives. I will post the results of a few cruises through the boards as I hunt for decent posts. These could act as guidelines for the few that are interested in working for merit.