There is a lot of space for improvement in the merit system, but the first goal - to reduce shitpost - was achieved, at least in part.
And - if you give a fast look - there is a general improvement of the post quality: I see less and less one line post.
Then, there are a lot of opinions about how to improve the system.
For my part, I received 16 real merits starting from zero, so - even slowly - it's possible to grow. But I received them in the italian section, where there are only few people and zero spam, so it's very simple to be read and - if it's the case - appreciated.
In the international zone, the real problem is to catch attention: even if you make a very good post, you need to hope that someone will read it, and - if he likes it - he has merit to give.
Actually, this is the biggest problem that I see, a too limited number of merit in circulation, that make the situation too static.
But I'm very positive that we'll find a solution.
I strongly believe Merit system should only start once you become Sr. Member -> Hero -> Legendary
Let the system decide who reaches Sr. Member Activity + Post are fair enough criteria already.
Now its purely in hands of other people if they let you progress or stay as Jr. Member forever.