>I also wonder if making these public, detrimental and unnecessary, is just a cynical ploy before an election to give the appearance that this administration has been tough on Russia, when actual toughness on Russia would mean not just indictments, but also sanctions and other tangible consequences.

Honestly, I don't mind cynical ploys as much if they involve an agency doing it's usual job. They might be trying to deflect attention or obscure underlying biases, but conducting an investigation and officially making an announcement based on the facts is a good thing. If only more "October surprises" were like this.