I agree with you to some extent, and have made similar statements, but I also think NC is exceptional in its lack of oversight coupled with very broad prosecutorial powers of the state's DAs. I think the other DAs fear losing the fullness of those unrestrained powers.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1760384/posts?page=1
Except for the AP listing Nifong as Mark instead of Mike - this is a good summary.
sp