Do I need to run higher air pressure without rim locks for it to be trustworthy?
I think that before anyone can answer this question, it would be helpful to know what pressures you like to run and what type of use.
Most all dirt or mostly dirt bikes come with rimlocks
Some 50/50 bikes have rimlocks
Most all pavement oriented bikes do not come with rimlocks.
So there is no set answer, I have bikes with and bikes w/o rimlocks. On the bikes w/o I try to keep the front at least 18-20 psi and the rear min 16-18 psi. I have had more issues with the front under braking then the rear under power.
Bruce