In addition to tiers, I think there are dimensions. Mainly:
1: security against targeted surveillance from criminals or state-level adversaries. (= spying targets).
2: security against mass surveillance. (= finding targets)
I think it's possible to have Tier 2 system that is Tier 1 against mass surveillance. Individual connections don't have to be proofed against state level actor targeting individuals. It's enough that the whole system works in a way that makes mass surveillance too expensive.
In fact, I think this kind of security is enough to ease most concerns against government surveillance.
1: security against targeted surveillance from criminals or state-level adversaries. (= spying targets).
2: security against mass surveillance. (= finding targets)
I think it's possible to have Tier 2 system that is Tier 1 against mass surveillance. Individual connections don't have to be proofed against state level actor targeting individuals. It's enough that the whole system works in a way that makes mass surveillance too expensive.
In fact, I think this kind of security is enough to ease most concerns against government surveillance.