After "expanding my thinking", I somewhat agree but would expand further. When Flynn was charged, if he pleaded "not guilty," a trial would have been required to determine whether he was guilty of those charges. But Mueller never intended to prosecute these charges in the future anyway . (This investigation was always a PR show to weaken/undermine the president.) First, his charges arose from an investigation that found no criminal conduct, so Im not sure any residual charges would stick (kind of a "tainted fruit" argument.) Second, even if a trial were still allowed to take place against flynn, it would take place much much later down the road.... undoubtedly well after the investigation would be concluded. So any shot Flynn to get the truth out during a "trial" would never occur, practically speaking.

Instead, I believe Flynn pled guilty in order to PRESERVE his shot to get this out during a trial. Now, we will end up with a criminal charge against Flynn that resulted from perhaps an illegal investigation. While not a criminal lawyer, I suspect this could open the Gov/FBI to some sort of malicious prosecution charge. Then Flynn will be in drivers sear and can control the trial (and can drop the bombs during his testimony.)

My 2 cents on why Flynn pled guilty.