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]
(..) ...you had any value as a detective. It was because I thought you were the stupidest policeman in all of France. A hopeless, deluded idiot. Then I was not promoted for my merits? I only made you inspector because I needed someone... ...who would quietly get nowhere until I was ready... (..)2006 The Pink Panther
(..) The area is secure. Oh, thank you. Clouseau, I have reviewed your records, and it is clear to me... ...that a man of your talent merits greater responsibility... ...than you have had up to this point. I have decided to promote you to inspector... ...the highest rank of any officer (..)2006 The Pink Panther