I find that trade-history, for example, is a much stronger indicator of someone's ability to get favorable trade-terms. Post-history for signature deals, etc.
That's probably true, though I think being on DT probably makes it much easier to do trades. I don't trade much, but when I either buy or sell bitcoin for PayPal I think it's likely easier to at least get the deals done being on DT--and the only "favorable terms" I ever look for are to buy/sell at the prevailing preev rate. And then there are members like Magnavox who couldn't care less that I'm on DT and won't send funds first. I respect that immensely, too. People shouldn't be looking at someone's trust or DT status when doing deals, even if it's way more convenient. It's safer not to do that.
Obviously I can't speak for anyone else, but personally my experience around the forum hasn't changed since entering DT outside of the fact that I've had some interesting exclusions and conversations about them.
Me neither, with the exception that my PM box is about 90 pages long, filled with messages from members seeking to get red trust removed. That didn't happen prior to me being on DT. Being on the list is more of a status thing than a power trip. You can't really flex that 'power', because if you do you likely won't be on DT very long. Yes, there are going to be people who think that's exactly what DT members are doing, but they're generally not on DT themselves--and they want to be.
Well perhaps in the past being on DT made you more notable. However, it is so diluted now, it does little to distinguish me from any other random user around these parts.
Excellent point, and I expect it's only going to become more diluted as time passes. It's already not the same massive status symbol it once was, and that's probably a good thing. Hopefully there will be less bitching about DT abuse as dilution increases--I think we can police ourselves pretty well, and it might even be easier to do so the more members who are on it.
