It's important to remember that Assange is not simply operating a content-neutral distribution platform. He has the ability to time or suppress releases at whim to influence global politics. And so his whims are of great importance in judging the risk-vs-reward of Wikileaks.
Yes. However since he is essentially captive and sources of funding to WL have largely been blocked, he must utilize guerilla PR tactics to the fullest.
Of course I'd prefer if the leaked docs were all thoroughly vetted and used as source material by The NY Times, but due to political pressure the NYT distanced itself from assange and became one of the main propagators of the character assassination campaign against Assange.
If Assange had the ability to present major front page stories to the world, he could ignore timing, but it's the only available tactic at present.
I agree with your point but think it furthers the above logic that personality (or editorial motivation) matter quite a bit. Assange and his motivation is important as he has seemingly near total control of WL.
