There is an alternative if you (a staking validator, or even a full node) does need want to trust any third party: just stay online all the time. This has its o

There is an alternative if you (a staking validator, or even a full node) does need want to trust any third party: just stay online all the time. This has its own set if downsides but it's inaccurate to say that a third party is required for Pos.