The trust system doesn't prevent anyone from fending for themselves and doing their own research. DT is optional. Trust lists are optional. If someone wants to go full Amish they can just wipe their trust list and have at it.
Agreed, but one individual going at it alone doesn't change the fact that the system works because of the votes of those who participate. Like a democratic republic, those who don't participate must live with the consequences of their inaction.
Except if you want to build a reputation for trade under this system, then you are directly penalized for not participating in it by having positive trust ratings left for you being less visible.
I'm afraid you will never get it. The trust system isn't about you, and your precious rating's visibility. And, I did in fact pay attention to my civics classes. Just because this democratic republic has rejected you as one of it's representatives doesn't make any less of one.