EcosystemScore = Σ(dimension_score × weight) × volume_confidence × time_decay_factor
volume_confidence: Scales score credibility from 0.6 (1-2 ratings) → 1.0 (15+ ratings). Prevents gaming by fake or sparse reviews.
time_decay_factor: Ratings older than 12 months begin decaying. 24-month-old ratings contribute 30% of original weight.
Decay Function: weight = e^(-0.04 × months_since_rating) — ensures a contractor who had a bad year 3 years ago is not permanently branded. Encourages improvement.
Disputing party flags the rating. Score is suspended (not deleted). 72-hour response window opens.
Both parties submit documentation: photos, signed COs, payment records, daily logs. All evidence pulled from platform audit trail — no outside documents accepted.
3 randomly selected industry veterans from the platform (min Tier 1, 50+ ratings, 3+ years active). Panel sees evidence, not identities.
Majority rules within 5 business days. Rating is upheld, modified, or expunged. Verdict is final. Panel members cannot be identified by either party.
If a rating is upheld without modification, the disputing party receives a -0.3 Ecosystem Score impact for abusing the dispute mechanism. Prevents gaming.
| Total Ratings Received | Confidence Multiplier | Display Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Ratings | 0.60× | Unverified — Score shown with caveat |
| 3–5 Ratings | 0.75× | Emerging |
| 6–10 Ratings | 0.88× | Established |
| 11–20 Ratings | 0.95× | Trusted |
| 21+ Ratings | 1.00× | Verified Tier Assessment |