It's always complicate to discuss, and implement something will have massive effects on all forum users.
Complaints will occurs definitely, and at somewhat extent it is not completely fair for all, as our lives always been.
It isn't as simple as that. I started with 500 air dropped merits. Then you have to consider the Hero or other rank who has 1,000+ earned merits, but is light on activity.
At first, we should have some things to differentiate them.
Next, consider about the new rank for outstandings [that what you meant, I known].
Something like which soccer clubs do with their players:
In England, or some nations, they have the term for home-grown players that nearly like the self-made forum users.
In each club, there are normal players, stars, and might be super stars.
Super stars do not always and mandatory occur in each club. They are rarely found like the TEMPs you mentioned.