Perhaps you misunderstood me. I don't consider merit to be an important part of the forum. But I'm surprised that newcomers who come here learn about the merits faster than about the rules themselves or about the topic of the forum in general. Sometimes jokingly, I think the forum for newbies sounds like Merittalk.
Your right and I must say its like this for most persons, especially while growing in ranks from a very early stage. It becomes more of, what needs to be done to get this and that in ranking up so as to participate in signature campaigns. It makes it seem as though, the signature and avatar campaigns are the only ways to benefit the most form this forum. Yeah, you will but, its not the ultimate. You ought to know what really is bitcoin, altcoin, blockcahin tech etc and how to utilise them because they have a lot to offer. Besides, earning from signature isn't the only investment package that the crypto world offers. There are others and a lot of people have learnt coding, Web designing, signature designing, even art amongst others all motivated by the forum and from being fully involved in forum activities and not just chasing after merits to rank up.
I wouldn't want that to be the case of you and from
DdmrDdmr's comment, you might be new to the forum but not in the world of crypto. To this effect, I'll say be rather to learn more and keep an upon mind towards the knowledge that would be pushed than to you from time to time and your free to ask questions when you don't totally agree on or is confused about a point.