Yes, unfortunately the merit system has it's flaws too- like as you note- brown-nosing the boss. When there is no quantitative way to access performance- like how many sales a salesman makes, then office politics takes over.
I've avoided this by pursuing a career where I can operate autonomously and out of management's purview since they have no way to judge my performance other than the end result which is I keep them on the air which is what matters to them. And they know I would not be easily replaced so they keep me happy.
Thrilling Discussions: POTPOURRI