If I take your argument at face value (that you want to maximise trust), publishing an article which is critical of someone is likely to reduce the audience's t

If I take your argument at face value (that you want to maximise trust), publishing an article which is critical of someone is likely to reduce the audience's trust in you - I believe this holds true in personal interactions, whether or not they agree and whether or not you are being truthful. So it doesn't seem to me that it's "trust" you are aiming for here.