@teamsteem it's an accomplishment in itself for us to know you have your eyes on this project.
First jurors do need to have a balance in JOT that will allow them to take part in certain disputes. And if they hold too low an amount of JOT, they won't be able to participate in high volume cases. Also there is a mechanism to appeal that overrules previous rulings.
In general its true, JOT is used as a guarantee from jurors that they provide verdicts on time, and that they are real people or at least it costs money to organize sybil attacks.
You are definitely invited to take part in our community discussions. Through telegram, we have accumulated a group of some exceptional minds in blockchain tech. At times the debates are like iron sharpening iron as we push smart contracts to their outer limits.
Please do join. We would love to get your insights.
Thanks. I'll keep up to date with what you are posting on Steem to make myself a better idea.