Trust is an ongoing issue with feral cats. We must gain their trust in order to be involved with them and we will invariably break it. We will break it when they go to the vet, we will break it when we move in a sudden and inconsistent way in their presence. Flawed beings that we are, we will likely find every manner of screwing up. The beautiful thing about trust is it is reparable. Big hearted creatures that they are, they will continue to be patient with us.
The way this little guy is holding himself is an untrusting stance- front legs poised for quick flight if needed, head lower than back, tail flat to propel himself quickly if needed.
This is a trusting stance- head higher than body, tail up off the ground, can't even be bothered to turn fully around to see what is going on.
"To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved"
-George Macdonald