merits

Noun

 * 1) Intrinsic advantages, as opposed to political or procedural advantages.
 * I was the boss's pet project, but was rejected on the merits.
 * 1)  Substance, distinguished from form or procedure.
 * The merits of the case favored the plaintiffs, but their procedural blunders set them back.
 * The merits of the case favored the plaintiffs, but their procedural blunders set them back.