Daily focus rewards 1 Epic and some merits? What are Splinterlands merits?

I made it almost halfway to my goal of 30 focus chests. My win streak was good but "I had to take time off to earn real world dollars.
I pulled a nice Epic card and for the first time some merits.
What are merits? They are a guild currency and used to buy stoff in the guild store, according to Splinterlands. So I guess if start stacking merits, I should look at joining a guild. Know any good ones for bronze player?

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