The "middle ground" you describe is how internet is already provided in the US. Multiple companies provide intermediate nodes, connectivity, and bandwidth. Traf

The "middle ground" you describe is how internet is already provided in the US. Multiple companies provide intermediate nodes, connectivity, and bandwidth. Traffic is routed and re-routed according to network management protocols. They are incentivized to do this via USD. Trust is handled via centralized authorities and PKI. Wireless ISPs do exist in the US. monkeybrains and Clear both come to mind.