How can a SID's MEA be above its top altitude?
Top Altitude is the initial climb altitude for a 'climb via SID' instruction, unless otherwise is stated.


  TOP ALTITUDE– In reference to SID published altitude restrictions the charted "maintain" altitude contained in the procedure description or assigned by ATC.


Initial climb altitude/level is not directly related to the MEA. It has more to do with radar acquisition, noise abatement, and clearing obstacles.


  MINIMUM EN ROUTE IFR ALTITUDE (MEA)− The lowest published altitude between radio fixes which assures acceptable navigational signal coverage and meets obstacle clearance requirements between those fixes. The MEA prescribed for a Federal airway or segment thereof, area navigation low or high route, or other direct route applies to the entire width of the airway, segment, or route between the radio fixes defining the airway, segment, or route.




Source: FAA AIM