> In effect, facing the N.S.A.’s relentless advance, [Lavabit] surrendered I disagree with this characterization. Surrendering to the NSA would be Google/Face

> In effect, facing the N.S.A.’s relentless advance, [Lavabit] surrendered I disagree with this characterization. Surrendering to the NSA would be Google/Facebook/Microsoft's approach of unconditional cooperation. Lavabit's refusal to work with the NSA -- even though apparently the only alternative was shutting down their business or going to jail -- is more along the lines of a scorched earth retreat (destroying your own stuff when you can't hold the line).