It is really very simple!
"Merits" in this instance refers to the breakfast (as opposed to the question, which is about your experience with customer service at Hot Wire?).
Another example might help you. Let's say I want to visit Krakow. I post on flyertalk and get ask for replies based on the merits i.e. when to visit, what to see, etc. Then some dude comes along and tells me their opinion about the condition of the roads in Poland. That has nothing to do with the merits of the question. Is this example clearer??
Based on your response, have you ever dealt with Hot Wire? It seems like you have not? My question remains unanswered : "Do they ever provide compensation?"
ps You spelled "seperate" incorrectly.