Gah this really misinterprets what the forum seems to be looking for.
Should higher ranks be the only or primary motivation for being here? If so, then that's messed up.
I think users should generally be here for the discussion, and the merit system seems to slow the rate of rank advancement, and mainly stop users who are here just for that.
I agree with jambola2's opinion (second sentence) but disagree on the end part of third sentence.
If users stay here for the discussion, the merit system won't stop or slow them down
because up to Jr.Member or Member (req 10 merits) is still attainable by being actively posting
and limits on posting and PMs are based on activity not rank itself...
so even with low rank and high activity still able to join discussion threads with no problems
but for joining signature campaign with attractive payment rate, higher rank is needed (probably soon merit is required too)