I think that's probably a fair point.... Doesn't seem like it changes any of the legal analysis though.

You can't disobey a search warrant because it would be bad for business or because you want to protect the target.

I think the primary concern is protecting the other folks who are not the target. Handing over keys allows for the government agency the opportunity to violate other users 4th amendment rights.

Sure, I get it, but I don't think you can ignore a subpoena just because you don't trust the government not to abuse it.

Well certainly you can, because he did. I think perhaps that's the main point here.

I'm not sure it makes much of a legal difference, although maybe it might be a more accurate description of Lavabit's viewpoint. But as the article points out, a business model or ideology isn't a basis to challenge court orders or subpoena power...regardless of what it might be.