You are expressing just your feeling. This is what I feel about merit. I feel recognition, motivation, encouragement when I receive every single merit.
Let's analyse it from another direction using a real example. On Feb 07, I joined Bitcoin forum (
https://forum.bitcoin.com/) thinking to become an early adopter before they implement any restriction to stop easy rank up. You never know someday may be that will also be a popular forum like BitcoinTalk now. After creating the account you want to know what I did or doing...?
I guess I will give you a demonstration.
Account summary
Click here if unable to see imageSome comments I made on the several posts...
Click here if unable to see imageClick here if unable to see imageMore:
1,
2.... there are more. I'm not just bothered. Fuck it.
Question is what do you see there?
1st my intention was bad... "
to become an early adopter before they implement any restriction in easy rank up"
2nd since my intention was bad I really do not care about giving value to that community. Doing shit there.
3rd when I post i know nothing gonna happen so again I do not care that much.
BitcoinTalk became really popular 1st because of this was THE earliest forum for Bitcoin 2nd the marketing policy of allowing signature campaign.
An overpopulated place like BitcoinTalk really needed something to protect the forum and merit is ONE OF THE best thing so far have introduced IMO.
Lesson:
Merit is saving the forum from lazy posts, spamming.
Signature campaign is necessary to make a forum attractive for the members.
Observe Adapt Overcome - this is I am saying now a days.