iirc, MIT could have denied access to FBI in setting up a trap to whoever was the owner of such laptop. They could’ve set the trap themselves and dealt with academic discipline too. So, they did enable the up-scalation of the conflict.
Of course, it’s all subjective at this point… either I recall incorrectly some details, or even how I unconsciously choose to see it is shaped by personal world views.
aaron swartz day (programming.dev)
Some of us take it to our hearts to remember one of the most influential hacktivists