But rather than "NSA" or "no NSA", there's another alternative: Defense-only NSA (or at least, defense-heavy NSA, where the vulnerabilities equities process has been altered to heavily favor disclosure). Instead of unilateral disarmament, disarming ourselves while also forcibly disarming others.

While I like that idea from it being the "right" thing to do. I can see why they don't want to give up every exploit as soon as it is found.

More like, "Crap, the terrorists just got a working copy of our nuclear arsenal!" Digitally speaking being a much closer comparison. The fact is, had the NSA been responsibly disclosing these details (maybe a 15-30 day hold before a private disclosure then after another 30 days public discloser)

That gives them 30 days to use 0-day exploits, but can still be effective contributors to greater overall security.

Good points. But its a fine line on how to deal with leaks 0 day exploits. We can't cripple the NSA, other wise we are bring a wet noodle to a knife fight.

I just mentioned they should be able to hold onto 0-day discoveries for 15-30 days before confidential disclosure.

Terrorists WILL do a lot of damage (as demonstrated) with these exploits... the NSA might ... the world, and in particular US interests are far better served with secure systems all around.