I am not trolling, so calm down there.
Tor is anonymous in the regard that it borrows someone else's IP address so
you can browse the web, chat, or send email under an IP address that is not
yours. That is where the flaws in the system show.
It is true that Tor hopes its users are smart with the network and are not
doing anything illicit behind it. The reality is that not everyone can be
trusted even though we want them to be as you described.
For example, if I am connecting to Tor and offer my IP as an exit node or
bridge relay, my IP address is tied to any activity that someone else does.
The problem with that is I can be directly responsible for those actions
since that IP address is associated with me and all it takes is the police to
get the information from my ISP and prosecute me.
If that were ever to happen, then I would be essential screwed if that person
was using my IP to browse child pornography, attack a government agency, or
carry out terrorist attacks. The last thing I need is the FBI arresting me
for this when I had no ties to any of the actions associated with the IP
address.
How would I prove it wasn't me? On top of that, they would be asking me why I
would be giving out my IP address freely to begin with. With CISPA passing
and private companies willing to give your information over to the
government, why would anyone risk that?
