From my understanding the only way to get merit is through members or have I seem to be missing something?
Are there additional ways in which we might receive merit? Maybe the amount of time we are logged in n on the forum, the number of responses we get on out posts despite not getting any merit for it?
The only way to earn merit is to contribute quality content to the forum. Eventually someone will appriciate your hard work and effort and give you merit.
As I can see you have got yours first MERIT.