Had the prosecutors gotten convictions on each group of charges they filed they would have pushed for 6-7 years (they have to, otherwise why take the plea?). The Federal sentencing guidelines would have recommended a sentence in the range of 1-2 years (according to Jennifer Granick of all people, who is decidedly not a fan of what happened to Aaron Swartz).
The final sentence would have been up to the judge but given the circumstances (rich; white; well-respected; first-time offense; relatively innocuous as far as effect) it's extraordinarily unlikely he would have received more than the FSG (and if he did, it would help out his case immensely on appeal).
> for pleading guilty to liberating information.
If liberating information is his goal, why wouldn't he be proud and honored to wear that particular Scarlet Letter? Do you think those branded by the Nazis for guarding Jews would be anything other than proud to show to their children and grandchildren the living proof of their taking a righteous stand when others were afraid?
If Aaron decided not to accept the guilty plea, his option was 6-7 years and not 6 months. After reading everything that has been written about him, I would assume that he won't choose a 6-month sentence in exchange for pleading guilty to liberating information.