Two points contradict your position.
1.) There. Was. No. Crime. NONE.
2.) “Whistle blowing” does not compel one to turn first to the New York Times, especially if the material is classified. The correct thing to do is work within the chain of command, the inspector-general, if the chain of command is ineffective. If this fails, an ethical person would *resign* before divulging any classified information. There is not evidence that the “whistle blower” ever tried to work within the chain of command. He was just a little shit stroking his own ego by playing hero.
I remember it differently. Russel Tice did try the chain of command first, and even requested to testify before one of the intelligence committees, which one I don’t remember. There is good reason that Tice was never prosecuted. The administration didn’t have a leg to stand on if it went to court.