-snip-
Obviously Annon001 is a shill account - if you want to discuss this core matter, then plz use your primary account.
I've been reading this post for quite some time but did not comment for primarily two reasons :
1. I don't trade with anonymous accounts.
2. Noone trades with me.
But this post has come closest to expressing what has been crossing my mind since I have begun reading this post.
I think to call it a manipulation is an exaggeration; I dunno how it can be a manipulation unless they have begun adding members with whom they've not had trades or provided false feedbacks to add them, unless the OP has adequate proof of this I think this is a slanderous attempt by selective highlighting of facts with incendiary thread headlines.
Also, I do think that even providing DT status to one scammer is enough to be a manipulator; if you do it while being in the know and you don't need 100s of DT additions for it.
P.S. If I'm not wrong theymos had
TradeFortres on his DT and he came out as the most legendary DT member.
So, better trust your judgement and not other trusted and experienced members or BMs; for it is your money you are putting at risk; although a quick look at ratings (both trusted and untrusted) is a must.
P.P.S. @philipma1957 change your jurisdiction; if complaints can be filed for such frivolous issues and you can actually be held liable, apart from that I think you are doing nothing wrong.