True, but the alternative is letting people like this get away just because they have power and/or money. Tough situation to be in.
Not really. She left enough clues that people on HN could figure it all out pretty quickly. Seems like a good middle ground to exposing them but protecting yourself.
California has a broad anti-SLAPP law that would keep this from costing $50K. She would likely win attorney fees as well. IANAL.