Learned that members here in BitcoinTalk get better ranks if they get some special points called 'Merit'. Is it an important meter? Can this affect the ability to participate in or even start projects?
Yes it is really important in this site , because it is a way for new comers for them to rank up . And also for older members of this forum that is unable to rank up because of the merit system that the admin implented. Members in this forum must rank up when they have enough merits earned.