Wow, you'll probably only hear this once, but that was the best defense I've ever heard. Even though im certain we disagree Watson, you are certainly an educated fan and I respect that. A great deal of what you said is certainly true. I think where we disagree is in the value and advantage the tapes had. I think its more, I'm assuming you think its less, but thats the best argument I've heard yet.
Personally, I feel Belichick is a football genius. I don't like him but i have to give the devil his due. And i just dont see a man of his intelligence set up this camera scenario, which he would have been smart enough to see that it could bring fourth great consequence, without it having a major benifit factor. Belichick is a smart man who would weigh risk vs. reward. If they would have won all 3 SB's without it, he wouldn't bother. He wouldnt waste time to do something that he wouldn't need to win.
But regardless of our different opinions, your analyzation of the situation proves that if nothing else you know what your talking about. People can analyze these comments however they chose but I do respect your method of observation.