See, this is where I'm at odds with a number of Freepers -- over Colin Powell. I don't think he's the leaker of this "plame/wilson" scenario. Sure, I've seen him say other things, but his focus is predominantly (even yet) military. He's obviously well informed on intel/counter-intel procedures and "bylaws". It is such a rule of thumb in military circles to not *out* recon, intel, counter operations -- this is why I don't think he's the specific leaker on this. I do think, however, he has a *really* solid understanding of WHO may be the "leak" source.
Colin Powell spent more time fighting the State Department libs WHILE doing work in Iraq/Afghanistan. He was outright livid and as furious as I've ever read him being over leaks coming out of the "State" Dept.
I see we share a mindset on this one. I agree with you . . . and pretty much for the same reasons. Others here may wish to throw Colin Powell to the wolves (and, tacitly, cave in to the Dem attack machine), but I don't/won't for the very reasons that you stated.