This is a very interesting way of looking at things. I think the distinction between worldly status and personal merit is a significant element of the subtext of the entire novel.

I would award merit points to Emma for her patience and unselfishness as the sole carer for her exceptionally demmanding valetudinarian parent.

I am less inclined to give credit to Jane Fairfax for her determination to become an educator, since she regards it as a sacrifice.

Mrs Goddard gets merit points for entertaining Mr Woodhouse and not having killed anybody, as does Miss Bates.

Miss Bates' place in the merit hierarchy is quite high I think, despite her lack of education and intelligence. Like Emma she is devoted sole carer for an elderly parent. She is benevolent and generous to a fault (interested in everybody's happiness, quick-sighted to everyone's merits, if she had a shilling would give sixpence away). She is almost universally beloved, and I think public opinion has the true measure of Miss Bates' merit.

Whther on merit or aristocracy, Harriet comes a long way down the list, but on merit I would place her at least as high as Mr Elton, who's sermons and parish duties are outweighed by his pride and self-importance.