Most annoying for few of the thread starter that they hoarded their sMerits specifically for the purpose that someday they will start their Merit thread.
Few of them were started with good intention but few just copied the concept.
Another assumption is they started their merit-give-away topic as an initiative to legalize their merit sellings. I am not sure about this, but there is a big question about that. They might start a topic with easy requirements, and then give their merits away legally without any suspect.
Personally, I don't think that merit give-away operators whom aim at Newbies or Junior Members should require too much because I experienced such hard period myself. I had to struggle to earn my very first merits. Even when I am a Member, I still struggled with my first 40 or 50 merits. I am not sure that everyone will experience the same difficulties as well as the same journey as mine, but the first one to move up to Junior Member, then the first 50 merits to get enough experience and familiarize with the forum are the most challenging period of forum members whom started from Newbies.
Fortunately, I ranked up to Full Member a few days ago. That rank is my desired destination for more than one year, and eventually I hit it.
By the way, I say thanks to LoyceV, whom sent me 8 merits in a row into my two different topics. I thought I deserved that, but again thank you LoyceV (if you actually read the post later) for your help to boost me to Full Member faster a little bit.