The best way is to take back this merit system and simply democratize the forum another way is to start a poll where members can vote in favor or against this system and the results should be implemented.
Did you know that the forum is centralized, even from the start
There's always an admin who maintains this forum, first it was Satoshi and now Theymos.
When Theymos says that Merit system are here to stay, that's it, no point in arguing.
If the polling did happen, it will be cheated by alts anyway, it's fast to create a new account with 5 minute burner email
You are free to leave/find your own democratic forum if you want
The pursuit is over.
You have two ways to earning merit. First and recommended to write constructive post and improve discussion and second way is to try deceive merit system and upgrade your rank buying merit or begging for them.
Do the 2nd option and there will be a punishment by DT, this forum has many eyes
Although, I did see a few topics that offered their merits to be sold, this usually happens on Local sub-forum