Merited posts aren't really merit-worthy anyway, at least not for me as a merit source. On the other hand, I will not consider merit abuse as well. It's not a big deal really.
It's not a big deal if it is your self-earned merits, not sourced merits. And if the purposes of give smerits away are not related to unofficially require people to say all good things about your business.
If merit sources aren't selling merit, then let them spread merits. At least merit circulation will increase. If the sent merit amount is big then it would be a different case. But here just don't be too strict since the admin isn't too strict regarding merit distribution.
It might not be merit selling or exchange but as I said above, if it is like an unofficial give away to attract members and force them to say good compliment to shill your service, it is something wrong. Fortunately, in this case, I don't see that intention.
It is easy to realize that because such shady intention will catch a lot of newbie accounts join the party. Moreover, if compliments are over-exaggerated about a service, like it is a best on the forum while in fact we know it is not. It would be signal of something wrong.
All of them are not found in this case. So, the accusation (if it is) is inaccurate.