An subordinating conjunction makes clauses dependent. So your answer is D.
<span>The answer is the option A. Those who perform the best. Meritocracy comes from merit and cratia (merit rules); it means that in the ideal meritocracy the individuals with greatest merits (best performance) will be rewarded with the highest positions, responsibilities and salaries.</span><span />
The answer is the first one.
In "Writers often disavow the notion of a 'literary duty'" the author conveys a somewhat condescending attitude, as if they would always follow this and set aside anyone who said otherwise. This attitude says the author is looking down on them, and that the author believes that many authors do not meet their standards.
Another answer I would consider is "...writers ruined by their shrill commitments." However, there is no context or clear tone. The author could be mournful of the lost potential for all we know.
Usually they are bigger and better than most normal humans but some have their flaws that make them more "likeable"
