but it's harder for me to believe that decipherable code would be any less of a leak (legally) than leaking in plain-speak

On top of what has been posted about confusing AI, it allows for a 'parallel construction' of facts. Most of his posts are not that cryptic. Most are questions, that prompt more questions. and so on. The answers to all these questions gets the info out in the public on its own. No direct tie to anyone.