It might have had some actual merit.

Otherwise, the louder speaker will always seem the better, regardless of its actual merits.

Whenever two speakers are being compared, the louder one will always seem better, regardless of its actual merit.

The names on all the "Best Doctor" lists tend to reflect old boys' networks rather than actual merit.

The second decision addressed the actual merits of Iran's actions.

As so often happens, Leavitt's next books (regardless of their actual literary merit) never quite acquired that same gloss.

Thus once again showing the courts changing stance in considering the actual merits of a case.

If you do something that someone doesn't like, you lack maturity, regardless of the actual merits of your action.

What are the actual merits of the two bases?

Seems to be a lawsuit with actual merit.