Can't find the words to explain, so I will give an example:
User A posts a comment on a game useful to the community. User B likes to improve the site, so he/she votes the comment up. User A gains recognition for the useful comment, and earns a merit. Something is missing here, User B helped User A become recognized, but is not recognized for his/her willingness to improve the site.
Basically my idea is that users would get a few armor points for voting up a good comment that gets approved for a merit. I know it will not be that easy to apply it to the current system, but it is an idea.
