Do we really think Jacob was the target and not the Tor project? He is just the vehicle. The target is obviously the project. It is a very effective attack against an otherwise difficult adversary.
Here's some Sun Tzu to think about.
When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.
I see the internet going out more like, "Sit, Ubu, sit... good dog!"
Then the dog barks and the lights go out.
Hey, Pam, remember when I said this car was death proof? Well, that wasn't a lie. This car is a hundred percent death proof. Only to get the benefit of it, honey, you REALLY need to be sitting in my seat.
- Stuntman Mike
An authority is a person who can tell you more about something than you really care to know.