It might not be simple, but I am sure that it would be possible to remove classified details from certain “wins” (whether counterterror, counterproliferation, or other) and let the public know what their tax dollars are going toward.
> allegedly problematic aspects which leak out
Due to the problematic aspects being judged solely by the journalists publishing the leak.
For example, the business records collection on Verizon metadata was something The Guardian saw as problematic and worth exposing, and I agree on it being problematic, so I was glad to see it fixed in 2015 (They now must ask the ISP for information in a more targeted manner instead of getting it all and self-regulating targets).
On the other hand, Spiegel alleged that TAO and CNE-related activities are problematic. I disagree with that and did not see any point in those releases.
Hopefully that makes more sense, I did not mean to imply anything with my phrasing.
The TLA may be terrible for particular individuals, or small groups with a shared characteristic, but politicians should nonetheless advocate for them to protect the "way of life of citizens".
It's a "do you keep a guard dog that you know might maul a child" type of question.
Our elected members privy to the actual costs and the actual benefits should be the ones making the decision on whether the NSA is worth having or not.