The system we have now is quite satisfactory, but some individuals think that it is not good enough for them, or rather, they do not have enough influence to manipulate it.
The system is most certainly not satisfactory for the exact reason you cited. Any newbie can be added to DT2 just because one DT1 member includes him. That is a recipe for abuse, and it's been happening a lot. Got any drama thread and look for newbies that took the side of a DT1 member, next thing you know that DT1 member is adding that newbie to his trust list, and BAM newbie on DT2. Suchmoon's proposal in the thread linked by Poker Player would mitigate a lot of that. It won't prevent it from happening, but it would make much less likely.
Making it more difficult to be included in DT2 is very likely to prevent DT cliques from developing, and reduces DT1 members' ability to manipulate the system.
I still think "protesting" against DefaultTrust by emptying your Trust list is counter-effective.
^This!
@yahoo62278 and @dkbit98, I really hope both of you will reconsider. I understand your rational, and often I think being in DT1 is not worth the headache. But that headache is exactly why we need people like you; rational, thoughtful, restrained individuals to counter balance those who revel in the power. If more people like you quit DT you'll be leaving the trust system to the abusers.
@suchmoon, we need you back too!