short version: DT has 'depths,' which by default, is set to 2, although it is possible to see up to 4. Depth 1 is managed directly by the administration; only the admins can add or remove uses from this category. Depth 2 is managed by the individuals in depth 1 by adding or excluding them to their trust lists (the big text box on this page
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=trust).
when a dt1 user decides to add a user to their trust list, that user becomes a part of dt2, and vice versa for depths 3 and 4 as well (although depths 3 and 4 are nearly irrelevant ). At this point, for a person to be removed from their dt2 position, 1 of 2 things can happen;
1. the dt1 member who added that user to their trust list removes them
2. the user is excluded by at least 2 other members in dt1 by entering ~ as opposed to just their username into the list
the second method serves to ensure that dt2 can be self - monitored to an extent without direct interference by the administration. If a member is taken off of dt2 through exclusion, their name will be 'slashed through' on the trust settings page as such: username.
Also, if you're wondering what the numbers next to their names mean, it denotes the number of dt1 users that have decided to either add or exclude a member from their trust lists. assuming the user is on 1 dt1 user's trust list (1), the exclusion of the member by 2 other users would put them at a (-1).
If you're curious, you can click the 'hierarchical view' link at the bottom of the page, and you will be able to see exactly which users have decided to include or exclude certain users from their trust lists.
In this case, it would seem Lauda has been excluded by 3 dt1 members: HostFat, OgNasty, and Tomatocage, while he is on the trust lists of 2 members: Blazed and hilariousandco.
Q/A on basic use of the forum.
Note> Complete list of FAQ you can find in the rules. The following Q/A are not listed there.
Q: How to find my profile ID/number/link?
A: There are many ways to do it. Find your last comment and click on your user name > like this example and check your address bar for the link, here is mine>
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1291828
Mine ID is the number after "=", so 1291828.
Extra info here
Q: How to delete/move a thread I started?
A: You cannot delete your threads,but you can lock them and move them to the Archive. Check this for reference Now you know how to move threads 
Q: Why my messages getting deleted/my activity decrease?
A: Most common case is because your posts are considered as a bad/low quality/spam or just add nothing to the discussion/project etc. Sometimes you get a PM form the forum system that your posts are deleted, but now always. Other case is if you have commented on a thread which gets deleted, you don't get any notifications. There are many cases, but if you stick to the rules, you probably never gonna face this problem.
Q: Why I cannot upload images?
A: Answer is in the rules, better read all, before you ask again.
Q: What happens if I de-rank and from full member, do I loose my avatar?
A: Based on DdmrDdmr research seems like you keep your current avatar but you have no option to change or remove it. Example
Q: What does leet mean in the post count?
A: Theleet represents the number 1337, example of leet post count, more info here.
Q: How can I delete my account?
A: You just can't, only theymos can do it if there is a good reason for it.
Q: What is my Copper membership payment address?
A: This address is unique for your account and can be found here. It never changes.
Additional useful and entertaining threads
Forum rules and guidelines:
Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ
Newbies - Read before posting
[Tips] Guide for forum search
Topic title style guide
Useful threads for newbies:
Useful Crypto Terminology
BitCoinTalk hidden pages
How to sign a message guide
[LEARN] BBCode Lessons & Tutorials [+tutorial videos!]
Your Total Beginners Guide To Cryptocurrency and Bitcointalk
List of all Bitcoin forks
Bitcoin Fork claiming guide
Other interesting topics:
Satoshi Nakamotos' profile
The pizza thread /10000btc for pizza in addition,the actual pics of the pizza
I AM HODLING or where did the HODL term came from
Theymos's list of altcoins with some technical merit
Bitcoin and me (Hal Finney)
Legendary profiles of bitcointalk
The most iconic bitcointalk threads. History on Bitcointalk
Satoshi suspects, frauds and conspiracies
The Cypherpunks
Wall Observer BTC/USD - Bitcoin price movement tracking & discussion
For Bounty hunters:
List of Campaign Managers Latest Post
OVERVIEW OF SERVICES
Bounties the managers (spreadsheet)
Overview of Bitcointalk Signature-Ad Campaigns
Overview of Bitcointalk Signature Anti-Spam Campaign Managers
Merit related lists of services and info:
List of Active Merit Giveaways threads. new
LIST OF THREADS GIVING AWAY MERIT POINTS FOR QUALITY POSTS
List of Threads Giving Away Merits Outdated
Joel_Jantsen's Merit Distribution Thread (Newbies Welcome)
One (1) Merit point to Rank-up Service, Jr. to Hero Members Are Welcome. Closed
TMAN'S guide to getting merit
Full merit transaction history for any user new
BPIP - Bitcointalk Public Information Project by Vod External link
Learning and Courses + external links:new section
[GUIDES] on Bitcointalk. Index thread by LoyceV new
Some EDX courses I mentioned
Current Edx courses on blockchain and bitcoin External link
Available courses on Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology from colleges and University
Jet Cash's "ask a legendary" thread
Jet Cash's Fit to Talk project, learn proper English
I would like to add more content to the Q/A forum section so please suggest some good questions I can add.
Links for personal use not related to the topic >
List of Rule-Breakers.. | One (1) Merit point to Rank-up Service | BitcoinTalk Public Information Project (BPIP)