[jeffreyg]

'a puny tactic to make the general public afraid'

This 'tactic' was classified until leaked, so I don't think its purpose is to scare the public. My guess is that they just want tons of ciphertext samples to use in future cryptanalysis work.

[klez]

Or maybe it's just masked as a leak when it's actually a controlled release.

[cinquemb]

Are you suggesting this could be a limited hangout[0]?

[0]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_hangout

[LoganCale]

It came from Snowden, so it's unlikely unless he's part of a broad conspiracy to release exactly what the NSA wants him to.