Many have the opinion that P2P trading requires a trusted middleman.
When did losing control over your funds and giving it to a third party become safer that being in control of your trading funds throughout the trade. This thread shows that many people don't know how p2p exchanges work and it would save everyone's time if they learn how it works. A multi-sig set up ensures that the trade happens without any party being scammed, it is not dangerous; you just have to know what you are doing and choose an irreversible payment option if you are the seller.
I agree with you. With the time locked mulit signature setup on Bisq no 3rd party is required in 99% of trades. If buyer and seller agree, they can close the trade without a 3rd party. If the buyer does not pay or there is other disagreement, a 3rd person from Bisq will take a look at the transaction. After the time lock runs out he can transfer the funds.
You've made an interesting idea in advocating for long-term trusted trading connections, however this runs opposed to the core spirit of what Bitcoin represents: decentralisation. I think it's a step backwards to advocate for a trust-based system because that means going towards a more centralised structure. We might as well be asked to put our faith in the government and huge banks all over again.
My idea in advocating for long-term trusted trading connections is very decentralized. I'm not talking about 100mn people trusting in 5 companies. I'm talking about 100mn people trusting in 10 different humans each. So everybody has 10 "friends". He trades with his 10 "friends". But everybody has 10 different friends.
Bisq is the most decentralized trading platform out there. It does not take custody of your funds, the software runs P2P and Bisq is organised as a DAO not a company.
However Bisq is one software, with one line of communication (TOR), with a couple of known developers, with a unique on chain footprint, open to everybody.
Nuking Bisq would destroy the trading ability of thousands. A decentralized trading network of 10 "friends" each is more difficult to destroy or to spy at.