The five contestants will be judged 'on their own merits'. [=they will be judged by looking at their skills and their good and bad qualities]
Hiring decisions are based entirely 'on merit'. [=people are hired because they have the skills to do the job well]
We should consider each idea 'on its merits'. [=we should consider the good and bad things about each idea]
(..) The High Septon has calle for an inquest, not a trial. Just a small hearing to etermine whether the charges against Loras have merit, which I'm sure they on't. Loras will be free, our happy alliance will continue... an we'll forget this unfortunate conversation ever happene. (..)2015 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken Season: 5 Episode 6