I'm going to take this opportunity to point out to some of you newbies - we are not a gossip column. We are not interested in rumours, what you've heard or speculation - never have been. Most of it is way off base anyway! Opinion is fine, facts are even better, rumour, gossip and speculation is just something to be ignored, the whole reason it is rumour, gossip and speculation is because it has little to no bearing on fact... As justalino says "the only person who can see your merit table position is you and the powers that be and you are unable to see anyone else's". Anyone outside of the powers that be or the referee themselves who is genuinely in the know doesn't spout off on a forum saying "I've heard..." which is partly why they are genuinely in the know - they can be trusted with matters of 'in confidence'.
Add in that the position on the merit table is not the only factor that will be considered, although it will be one of the most important factors, developmental progress will be considered, the referee as a whole in terms of can they handle the next step up will be considered, their attitude, their desire and willingness to work hard, keep learning, keep progressing will be considered, someone might be excellent at x level but would not handle the next step up or have the ability at the next level, the level they are at might be the peak of their ability so they may well finish top of the merit table year in year out and never get called for interview to the next level.