I do think that the merit requirements for ranks through Member through Sr. Member are currently optimal. To rise in rank at the level permitted by activity currently requires earning merit at an average rate of just over +1/day. I think that’s a reasonable expectation for an ordinary intelligent person who spends a moderate amount of time engaging in generally pleasant forum discussions.
But “Hero” and “Legendary” are such strong words; and the substance of successful ranking systems always holds the highest ranks to standards which not only increase, but accelerate.
Proud, unapologetic elitist though I am, I do not for one moment imagine that I be a superman. If I can merit zero to Hero in four weeks, then surely any person who wishes to bear a rank and title of honour should be able to earn much more than a measly one merit per day.
Don’t simply be proud of these titles: Make them signify an achievement to be proud of!
Ohhhh man, by reading the OP and the first pages of the thread I've understood that you have a kind perfectionism. But I want to tell you - you can already be proud of yourself and your merit amount! Because merit in my native language is also translated as honored. You are the only who is able to achieve this enormous amount of merits in a short time. By the 2019 you will get more than 5k merits, but you still won't be satisfied, I'm almost sure. Just enjoy that every top ranked member knows you by nickname, so you are already honored member of this forum.
As for me guys with merits are more honored than guys that were just registered couple years ago without earning any merit, so if your purpose is not earning money with your rank, just dont mind about it, and enjoy the forum atmosphere.