This was not Satoshi's idea of bitcoin escrow as crypto transactions are not traceable, giving the third party full control right over the escrow fund is still as risky as doing a 2x2 transactions method where one party might choose not to obey the terms of agreements. This is the reason there are fraudulent escrow services offering lower percentages.
Yes. I know, I said Satoshi's idea was 2-of-2.
No. Giving a third party that is
trusted by both the full control of the coin is far safer than 2-of-2 multisig escrow. It's far more plausible for scammers to hold the coins hostage in this case as they'll have nothing to lose while the escrow is putting his reputation on the line. 2-of-3 could be better provided if the thirdparty is not colluding with either of them, if they are then self escrow would make it as good as a third party holding it.