Hi bitcoiners -- first poster here.
Since we're talking trust here, I wanted to recount my brief experience purchasing BTC via USD through Localbitcoins.com about a week ago (my first foray into the currency). I found a seller with a stellar reputation, did a cash deposit to their bank account, and, *presto*, the Localbitcoins escrow system worked flawlessly! This seemed so much easier and safer than doing an in-person transaction, which some people may have had issues with (based upon what I've read in other forums). I was not unhappy to pay their 1% fee for this service.
I'm not here to plug the site, only to let people know that I had a good experience. YMMV, of course.
Cheerio.