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're about to point out? He's bringing two featherbeds for the cabin. Who is important enough to Littlefinger to merit a featherbed besides Littlefinger? Could he be bringing one of his girls? He's not interested in them, my lord. (..)2013 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: And Now His Watch Is Ended Season: 3 Episode 4