I believe your interpretation on the pardon "precedent" is correct - legally no precedent is really set. A presidential pardon is basically an act of mercy, not

I believe your interpretation on the pardon "precedent" is correct - legally no precedent is really set. A presidential pardon is basically an act of mercy, not a legal opinion. However, as a social precedent, it may give the next Snowden a more favorable outlook with the public, which in turn would make sympathy from lawmakers less risky. Or maybe nothing at all. But you are right, legally probably wouldn't do much