the merit system like people above have said ... , it is necessary in my eyes to stop spamming
It is necessary to stop spamming, yet you are perfectly okay with being the 4th person to say the exact same thing. You've acknowledged that others have said this already, meaning you decided to post the exact same information that has already been posted multiple times for no good reason. You did not add anything to the conversation.
The system of ranks has changed. Now to get a Member you need to earn merits. Merit you can earn if you publish useful posts and other participants will appreciate them and send merits.
You will need merits (min. 10) in order to promote from Jr. Member to Member. Maybe they changed the system to stop the spams.
This is exactly why I suggest locking the thread; even though these people are well aware that you have received your answer they will continue to post the same information and spam your thread until you decide to lock it. It is poor etiquette to walk away from a thread carelessly once you are satisfied with what you have gotten out of it. It leaves quite the mess behind.