I suspect the problem stems from a need for small amounts of immediate cash, and a myopic view of the ways to obtain it. It is possible to improve yourself whilst you are earning this cash. You just need to have the will, and to focus on ways to improve yourself. I think it is sad to see members with several hundred posts, and no merits. A liitle less time spent in banging out rubbish, and a bit more time spent in checking and editing posts would probably change that.
For example - how much time does it take to snip a quote, and make your post less likely to be skipped over by a merit awarder.
however that is not the reality in bounty hunting. Most bounty hunters are not getting quick money from this tho it still fall to "free money" category.
That is why most of them woudn't simply care about the forum's status as long as they get what they wanted. That is the reason why it is also affecting other members from the same country and frankly that is not good for both users.