[topspin]

It's not that simple.

Sincere cooperation has value and is weighted by authorities, regardless of where it does or does not lead. Years served are based on such factors.

Also, there are the civil suits. Standards of evidence are generally lower and a credible and cooperative peon has value to plaintiffs as they pursue the big targets.

[loeg]

How do the authorities distinguish sincere cooperation from fabricated deflection, in the absence of evidence?

[quickthrower2]

I’m guessing it creates more probable cause for subpoenas and leverage in interviews and hopefully they find more evidence … or not.

[topspin]

Often it's as simple minded as convincing the judge that decides how many years you'll serve that you're not irredeemable.