1. Let the US know he has had the offer and ask them to step down before he has to take it.
2. Take the Chinese up on the offer.
3. Reject the Chinese offer, turn himself in, and return to the US in shackles specifying he did not sell out his country. If he can manage to do that publicly, that might also be a great great gamble that might turn out in his favor.
The more I think about it, the more I am impressed with his choice.
I strongly agree with you that I too am impressed with each calculated decision he has taken...even down to the press release.
The press release is also key in his decision to reveal him self. By doing so, how suspicious would it be if he "committed suicide." An example of how the press can protect him, you need not look farther than Julian Assange.
And even when it comes to the initial press release, the only reason I believe that it was revealed in the order that it did was for competition. He seeked the Guardian (in England), and compelled the Post (in the US) to publish. In media, it's all about being first, royalties, and copyrights. Check the link below.
I'd have to say, his execution of his plan, was very well calculated.
First 100% agreed with your points.
As a tangent.
BTW, if I ever start a hacktivist group I will use a medieval split tally stick for a logo.
Why?
In 1834, the humble tally stick accomplished what Guy Fawkes was unable to. Look up "1834 parliament tally stick" to see what I mean.
In memory of LulzSec: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAYL5H46QnQ
There's something deliciously ironic about trying to dispose of tax receipts causing both houses of parliament to be burned to the ground.
Never, never underestimate the humble tally stick ;-)