[Maakuth]

I agree with you that the SciHub's difference to Aaron is the different legal environment. But I think this is not a good explanation why SciHub might be morally better. Indeed protesting unjust laws could be considered moral good, whereas operating from Russia is merely a legal hack, if useful one.

The open access movement is precisely what I meant with the snail pace activity. I'm doubtful it would happen in even present degree without the activism.