There is no such thing as a Merkur in Europe. Merkurs were rebadged European Fords. Although the Ford Motor Company was started and based in the United States it has been a global company since very early on. After WWII, Ford in Europe operated as a separate entity within the company with its own design and engineering facilities. Even today, there are very clear differences in design and engineering philosophies between European Fords and North American Fords. Our Cougar is definitely a European Ford being sold in North America just like the Contour/Mystique, the Focus. Compare those with North American Fords like the Mustang, the Taurus, the Crown Victoria and the Mazda-based Escort. There are very clear differences philosophies between them.
I'm sure that many members associate (or would like to associate) our car with European Fords instead of Mercurys. Nothing personal but I don't even know what a Mercury is supposed to be. To me its just an unashamed rebadged, restyled and mass-produced Ford masquerading as a unique (even as a special) car. At least for the last 25 yrs that it what it is. Mercury's association with the Ford brand is not like Seat's association with VW for example. Even though Seat models may resemble VW somewhat, they are unmistakenly Mediterranean and they have the flair and unabashed sportiness that you do not find in German cars and especially VWs. Not only that, but they also have unique drivetrain options that are not available on VWs. To a lesser extent, you can also say the same thing about the relationship between GM's Chevrolet and Pontiac brands. In contrast, for the last three decades, Mercurys have been exactly the same as their Ford counterparts save for things like a different grill, different lights, or some options. That's not enough.
Like I said, I'm not going to swap emblems but why should I get upset if somebody else does it? It is their car after all. More importantly, why should they accomodate my views when modifying their cars. 80% of the cosmetic stuff that I see people do here I don't like... but I don't care. Don't worry about what other people do to their Mercurys, take care of your own Mercurys as you see fit and enjoy them.