I was a newbie as well earlier this year. I have earned 341 merits within less than a year. It's not that much difficult if you use the forum as usual; not for the purpose of earning merit. No matter if you are newbie or an old buddy; if you are posting some useful information, constructive & high quality, you will get merit certainly without any doubt.
It is definitely difficult at beginnings. Everyone do feel it challenging at their beginnings, but if they manage to go through the very first challenging phase, they will do become more familiar with merit system, and know which kind of posts can help them to earn merits. Then, they will feel very more comfortable with merit system and challenges to rank up.
Unfortunately, from the mid-ranks (Senior member and above) the challenges are significant bigger and such huge challenges can drain out their desire to rank up. This stage, ones who can maintain their habits will do successfully rank up.
I agree that for newbie is difficult in the beginning.
They are new users, don't know other users in the forum and others don't know them.
Also, they don't know much about btc and crypto and can't write good quality posts.
I suggest to OP to learn more about btc and crypto, read posts from others and learn how much he can.
Also, there are topics not related to crypto like sport, gambling, politics etc where he can share his experience and knowledge.
Finally, please look for merit giveaway topics.