Politics aside, I think this whole episode illustrates the chaotic way data is classified and handled.
As I understand it the State Department email system that Hillary was supposed to use isn't cleared for classified data either. Does anyone doubt that there are millions of emails on that system containing the same kind of classified data found in her emails?
If Hillary had used the DOS email system and received the same emails she would be just as guilty.
I think the private server thing is a bit of a red herring.
It is true, either way, an unclassified network of whatever pedigree cannot be used to transmit classified information.
The point here is that this ‘woman’ intentionally set up, operated and HID a private network which did not come under the normal scrutiny unclassified DOS email would. NOR WOULD THERE BE ANY RECORD OF IT available to anyone except through HER or her lawyers (with plenty of time to slash and burn).
The very fact it was SHE who had the ability to delete emails of any flavor is the base reason she set up the network. To be able to erase incriminating evidence if she was found out. So, in my opinion, the “private server thing” is DEFINITELY NOT a red herring.
Creating and using the private server shows intent. She went out of her way to break the rules.