LLR - the point you make about the disconnect between revealing (alleged) wrongdoing and whether you are a 'hero' or not is key to the case.

The US ought to protect whistleblowers, but prosecute leakers. A whistleblower is supposed to be:

"An employee who discloses information that s/he reasonably believes is evidence of illegality, gross waste or fraud, mismanagement, abuse of power, general wrongdoing, or a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. Typically, whistleblowers speak out to parties that can influence and rectify the situation."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2013/06/10/edward-sno...