I think the “cry wolf” factor has actually mitigated the reaction to the NSA revelations. Conspira-liars and other contrarian media have been declaring for decades that this and a lot more was already happening. Suppose the government did some day start assassinating domestic enemies, packing dissidents off to secret prisons, and somehow getting the mainstream media to cover for them. What would be different in the conspiracy industry’s message?
“No, no, WE’RE TELLING THE TRUTH THIS TIME! Arrrgghhh!”