Let's not use metaphors. This isn't about federally-protected mailboxes or taking information from a private place like an office. The information was already published when AT&T put it on their public web site. Weev's activity after that was publicizing and commenting on the data.
There are plenty of physical crimes that are easy to commit. For example, opening up someone's unlocked mailbox is technically a federal crime in the US (even if you don't take any thing and just put a leaflet there). Pointing out that a 'bad guy' could easily steal someone's mail by opening their mail box does not constitute security research.