The problem is that if you're a rational thinker you have to make sure you're able to make a living after doing something that is likely to ruin your career. For example, how many companies would hire Snowden to do the same type of IT work he was doing before? I wonder how many incredibly important leaks never happened because there wasn't enough "financial incentive."

All the government anti-whistleblower types are financially incentivized to hold their opinions.

I think the government counts on this to dissuade most from whistle-blowing. That is why it takes someone who is willing to take that risk.