[throwaway41597]

In France, you'll get some of your information (name, address and line of business; financials are optional) published even if you hold personal liability. And as others have said, the public financial data is not very relevant if someone is trying to assess a company. It's also too complex for the consumer.

I think if we were to redesign the system from the start, it'd look more like Ebay with feedback and escrow. It wouldn't be enough and it'd need other protections, but my point is the current system doesn't work great neither for customers nor for entrepreneurs. And as a consequence, it may be that it stifles commerce and entrepreneurship.