your opening statement is very true and valid... I think that this matter has been "tried" in the court of "public opinion"  of both sides , since it began.   as to who had a higher profile and more "press"? I think the bundy-ites most likely..which is going to be a big problem for them soon , but...
  ++++   I do not understand the level of activity allowed the bundy-ites while staying in the refuge.  not how it was handled from day 2 or so... to the gag order that hasn't been imposed.   and the law not closing the perimeter to the buildings right away?  they let this thing build momentum and then eventually these folks were a bit de 
  a possible , real problem for the defense attorneys is just the massive amount of video and other documentation available.  the defense attorneys may show up somewhere in the wrong place  at the wrong time saying or doing the wrong thing.  they are pushing for a speedy trial i believe.  a strategy to catch the other side as unprepared as possible.