But using escrow is "sending irreversible untraceable currency to strangers on the internet" still....
No its not, read into 2 of 3 transactions. You and the seller have to agree to release the funds or one of you and the escrow has to agree to release it, the escrow, seller or buyer can't steal the funds on their own if you use a 2 of 3 transaction.
its not that easy when you dont know who the trust worthy people are on here...even some "full members" are scammers....
And that bring me to my next point, the rank beside peoples name is based ONLY on post count, not reputation. Just because some is full or hero member doesn't make them trustworthy at all. Pirateat40 was a hero member, he still stole millions of dollars.
and theres not any 'official' escrow sites for alt currencies...
I don't own any alt-coins so I wouldn't know, but its still possible to do 2 of 3 transactions with any alt-currency and I'm sure you can find someone who will escrow your transaction.