[arriplify]

But due to the uncertainty of even the next moment, this kind of complacency could, especially over the course of many years, end up leading to the accumulation of defilement, not merit; and of course, as already mentioned, either way this is a path of letting go, not acquiring.

I agree. At least this is the view that has zen about the issue of merit. Lets leave merit accumulation to religious practitioners. The real merit is to practice here and now.