The rules require that a negative vote includes an alternative proposal or a detailed explanation of the reasons for the negative vote.source
It is easy to see the failures of others, and it is easy to see the places where the reality pales in comparison to the ideal. However, to be constructive in your criticism and be productive in your work is hard. And to be tenacious in the pursuit of change is rare indeed.
I was pondering the idea of meritocracy tonight, and I decided to look up the term. (Through the convolutions of the web, this lead me to the quote I started this post with.)
"Mertiocracy" is only a half century old, and the person who coined the phrase did not support the idea. Instead the author saw meritocracy as a shell game where "merit" was defined by those in power.
The opposition to meritocracy struck me as true in general. It pointed to the general truth that those in power will use their power to stay in power.