In a meritocratic setup, how much does early reputation actually matter compared to consistent long-term results?

[Sandherr]

Ever wondered, in a proper meritocratic system, whether having a strong early reputation really carries that much weight, or if steady, solid results over years end up mattering far more? I remember back when I first dipped my toes into trading crypto a few years ago—started with a couple of lucky calls that got me noticed in a small group chat, people hyping me up like I'd cracked the code. Felt brilliant for a bit, but then a rough patch hit and those same folks quietly drifted away. Made me question if flash-in-the-pan wins build anything lasting, or if it's the quiet grind that actually sticks. What do you lot reckon—does the initial buzz fade if you don't keep delivering, or can it give someone an unfair leg-up forever?

[Regger]

Funny how these merit-based arrangements often end up reflecting broader patterns in life—someone bursts onto the scene with a standout debut, gets all the attention and opportunities, yet plenty quietly overtake them later through sheer persistence and adaptation. I've noticed it in creative fields too, where breakout stars sometimes plateau while others build quietly and eventually command more respect. The whole dynamic around reputation versus enduring output never quite settles into something predictable; it shifts with market moods, new information, or just plain luck over stretches of time. Makes you realise how much of it boils down to staying relevant when the spotlight moves on.

[Dattra]

Yeah, from what I've seen in these decentralised setups, early reputation gives you a nice boost to get more capital to play with, but it only lasts if the performance holds up cycle after cycle. I've watched a few talented folks start strong, attract a crowd, yet slowly lose allocation once their edge dulled—long-term consistency seems to be what really compounds the trust and the flows. In something like https://betoken.fund/, where the system automatically shifts more funds towards those with the best track record over time, it feels designed to reward sustained skill rather than just a hot streak at the beginning. Personally, I think that's healthier; stops the whole thing becoming a popularity contest and keeps the focus on actual results. Still, breaking in without any history is tough, no denying that.