Do you have an example of a web of trust systems with the confidence scores? I've heard about it theoretically but I've never actually seen it in action.

I understand what you're saying about the local level... if your friend is reading about good economic metrics being achieved, but the people in his community are losing their jobs and their houses, that's a pretty massive disconnect. I guess it'd have to be all about balance, he shouldn't be oblivious to what his peers and competitors are consuming either.