If I read this story correctly, kerry signed a form 180 with limitations. All the records were released to one of his pet monkeys from the Boston Globe, the New York Times's leftmost subsidiary.
In other words, the records are still not public. They are still being carefully weeded out by his flunkies. The navy may have released all the records to his flunky, but his flunky has not released all the records to the public.
So this is meaningless.
Your observations are very astute.
I think in the Nixon White House, this was called a 'modified limited hang out.'
They released a bit of new info, even something that could be labeled 'bad,' but really isn't so much. Now, it's all old news.
I agree with your take that he signed the form to release the file to a known flunky, who would cull out anything damaging, rather than release the records to any who inquire. That's what Bush did.
I call, "Shenanigans!"
Pinz