"limited information" you claim? the information provided, from what we know about this, was likely quite straightforward:
"we want to wiretap anyone calling from or calling into these X hundred phone numbers obtained from laptops and cellphones captured from terrorists, as well as other communications traces".
imagine you are a FISA judge and the executive comes to you with that simple one sentence request - do you grant or deny it?
let's say you deny it. what the hell do you expect the executive to do next?
"we want to wiretap anyone calling from or calling into these X hundred phone numbers obtained from laptops and cellphones captured from terrorists, as well as other communications traces".
imagine you are a FISA judge and the executive comes to you with that simple one sentence request - do you grant or deny it?
The part about numbers obtained from "no question about it, terrorists" is a slam dunk approval. THe part about numbers "from other communications traces" needs some clarification, but if the knowledge presented by investigators creates probable cause, the warrant will issue.
let's say you deny it. what the hell do you expect the executive to do next?
It's the nature of the executive to take the action he deems appropriate, regardless of barriers - I expect he'd weigh the risks of action v. the risks of inaction, and act accordingly.