Ellen, we are in agreement that the above mentioned G2G inquiry concerned an open profile. However, it is not at all stated on the WikiTree's guidance page at http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/List_additions that “These instructions are premised on the assumption that the Trusted List request is for a profile that is private (or at least not "Open")”, as you state in your opening sentence. Maybe it should. But it does not. The implication being the guidance regards profiles in general.
My inquiry was posted because I continually see exceedingly liberal views expressed about trust list approval, despite the fact WikiTree states managers have the option of disapproving and even removing the status.
If trusted list request are liberally approved by a co-manager I share a profile with, then what recourse would I have if I had withheld approve because the request was from a vindictive former spouse, there has been a protection from abuse order issued, the requester has been harassing me via email, or I'm being cyber-stalked on the WikiTree. In such circumstances, I would remove the individual from the trusted list, and feel no obligation to offer anyone an explanation more detailed than: I cannot trust that person.
Can bullies, vandals and cyber-stalkers join WikiTree? Of course they can, and do. Just 2 day ago a G2G poster detailed psychological abuse by another member. Another took down some permitted profile content due to verbal abuse (from a non-member). Where are the victims sympathizers?