However, I think this is the best answer to this article's question.
And I hope someone can help me explain that "why does he receive merit? Is this unfair?"
There is nothing unfair, in giving the newbie a few merits. Merit system was introduced with main goal to curtail shitty posts because of the signature campaigns, not to curtail the growth of the community members. A forum is place where a group of people share their knowledge. So anyone is free to contribute to the forum.
I think Ognasty gave fantasticbaby2605, as a welcome gift to the forum. That doesn't mean that he should give every newbie a few merits. Like it's informed in the forum. Just make your valid contribution to the forum and the forum will give you merits in due time.