The rewards pool is still based off a trust graph.

These sections from the SN faq may be helpful:

2. Daily rewards

Stackers can also earn sats via daily rewards. Stacker News uses the revenue it generates from post, comment, zap and boost fees, the job board and donations to reward stackers that contributed to the site with even more sats beyond the zaps they already received. Contributions also include zapping content since they are used as a signal for ranking. You do not need to attach a wallet to receive daily rewards in sats. They are automatically deposited into your account. You can find and withdraw your reward sats balance here.

Web of TrustWeb of Trust

Stacker News relies on a Web of Trust for daily rewards.

How does the Web of Trust work?How does the Web of Trust work?

New accounts start without any trust and over time earn trust from other stackers by zapping content before them.

The only determinant of a stacker's trust level is whether or not they are zapping good content earlier than other stackers.

Stackers do not lose or gain trust for making posts or comments.

A stacker’s trust is an important factor in determining how much they earn from the rewards pool for their zaps.

Can I see my trust scores?Can I see my trust scores?

No. All trust scores are private, and even if it weren't confusing to see them, it'd make trust an easier target for manipulation.