I don't know who is a better programmer. With respect, if you aren't willing to take a stand on what does and does not qualify somebody, you are by definition

I don't know who is a better programmer. With respect, if you aren't willing to take a stand on what does and does not qualify somebody, you are by definition unable to comment meaningfully on the concept of a meritocracy. You list a lot of examples here that are basically red herrings or are completely unrelated to the discussion of what is and is not a meritocracy--your bringing up of books, for example, which are not capable of having merit as they are not people.