Should Merits and signature campaign be the only cheer to have interest and feel satisfied with the forum alone, I've seen many members not having enough Merits and have been active on the forum, while some have also been very active and nit interested in participating in a signatory campaign, i think what needed to first define is your purpose for coming, this will now determines what you are after and how you can get it fulfilled, so don't tell me those not in a signature campaign or not having Merits got their immune weak on the forum by being timid or got inferior, but i think everyone likes the way he has found himself here since each user determines his fate all by himself here on bitcointalk.
That means you here for money not any other thing. Time is coming that the forum will know you really belong if money is the problem to you. Though many users here are for that purpose but hey are hiding it but it is obvious that you expose yourself. If you want to advance in the forum you need to read as I have been doing since almost a week or more. Read more so that some of the questions that will be asked would be gotten through reading.
I think the OP is contradicting himself. He gave himself away on this topic, and despite his fear of discussing it earlier, the truth came out.
OP, there's nothing to be ashamed of if you need money. It's a shame that people will resort to unethical means in order to obtain money. Start doing everything gradually. You are sure to achieve your goals. I don't know if you need rank or experience, but by reading and studying, you gain both.
But as a pill to further motivate you, I'll give you the merit. I hope you correctly heard the wishes of the forum members.