[yarddog]

one thing is always clear: they protect their own.

That is the only explanation I can understand but it sure didn't apply to Nixon's people who consistently were handed down the harshest sentence allowed by Judge Sirica.

[zeugma]

There are exceptions to every rule. I'm not sure how much of an exception that actually was though, as Watergate had far-ranging implications politically. I think the punishment was related to the political problems Watergate generated. If they system feels threatened in any way, it reacts strongly.