This kind of sounds to me like we're defining merit as some kind of points system where you get merit just by expending effort. Like if I work really hard at di

This kind of sounds to me like we're defining merit as some kind of points system where you get merit just by expending effort. Like if I work really hard at digging a hole in the dirt somewhere, I can then use my amassed merit points to get a promotion. I think most people would count being suited for a job as having high merit.