Actually the way this reads I don't feel too bad.
I agree with you. Especially if Barr thinks that they can get Comey on something bigger, and with much more solid evidence.
the DOJ did not want to “make its first case against the Russia investigators with such thin margins …
Barr is just slow walking the case and moving the goal posts. Next time it will be “the DOJ did not want to “make its first case against the Russia investigators so close to the election”...
Also, recall Mueller’s angry Democrats had perjury traps, criminal indictments and guilty in months. And of course we are now years from the Deep State treasonous crimes in question.