Nah, don't pay much attention to Meriner.
A guild is as good as it's leader and [former] vice leaders.
The leader of the DC was away for a long time too, just like Sangwa.
And look what is left from the DC.
It's better to have a few members that are dedicated, then arguements among it's members, that divide the guild in several camps.
The DE will remain stronger in mind, because of a better organisation.
The DC had a hard time too, like the DE, past year.
But i put that besides me now, because this is teritory of the Dark Empire, not the Dragon Council.