As a symbolic statement by DEF CON, I like the "no feds" thing. Pragmatically, it probably won't much much difference, since any Feds who want to attend can probably attend and just not identify themselves as feds. OK, yeah, Keith Alexander might be spotted, but the average run-of-the-mill FBI or NSA geek probably isn't all that recognizable unless they wear their official ID or something.
BUT... looking at it from the "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" perspective, I'm not sure this is a Good Thing. The feds are going to do what they're going to do, regardless of what DEF CON does. Might as well invite them in, pick their brains, and learn as much as possible to help counter their shady machinations.
BUT... looking at it from the "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" perspective, I'm not sure this is a Good Thing. The feds are going to do what they're going to do, regardless of what DEF CON does. Might as well invite them in, pick their brains, and learn as much as possible to help counter their shady machinations.