This isn't about ethics. It's about power. Whistleblowing is the powerless and disconnected eroding the power of the powerful and well connected. They don't

This isn't about ethics. It's about power. Whistleblowing is the powerless and disconnected eroding the power of the powerful and well connected. They don't appreciate that. As a result, nearly every whistleblower will suffer greatly for their actions no matter how they do it - unless they can curry favor of the powerful somehow. Public perception can be purchased. For further enlightenment I recommend the 20 minute youtube video Rules for Rulers by CGP, as well as the followup.