Then it's up to Apple and the Judge to look at the facts, and decide whether the lesser crime is worthy of this level of access.  This was Apple's choice.  They made their hardware this difficult to deal with, and so they will have to fight every request, as they come, that's their new reality.  According to the current ruling, Apple must do this.  Now, what the penalty is to Apple specifically for refusing, I've no idea (If the Government wanted to be dicks, they could file charges against Apple for obstruction of justice/aiding a foreign terrorist organization).  However, what the penalty could end up being at the Government level, across all tech companies is infinitely worse, than what you're theorizing here.  Think about it. 

Personally, I think these individuals lost their right to privacy when they decided to do what they did.  So, while I definitely think privacy is worthy of protection and fighting for, I believe these individuals gave up those rights and protections.

Turning this into such a debacle has surely tipped off the murderer into switching to Android, anyway.

Pretty sure google already handed in the data to them without everyone knowing. Google is a advertisement company.

That'd be a rather nifty trick, considering Syed Rizwan Farook (the man in question), was killed by police four hours after the San Bernadino shooting, following a pursuit.  His wife (Tashfeen Malik) and accomplice also died in the shootout.

Apple is only doing this to protect its own brand. They've handed over information plenty times before to the Fed's. They just want to look good in front of everyone.

While I can't be certain, I think the whole reason for this request is the concern that if they goof up trying to get in the phone as is, the phone is designed to erase any and all personal data.  That's the main reason I think they want these modifications made. It's like a safe with a self destruct function that destroys everything inside if you goof up the combination or try to pry it open, the FBI wouldn't just try to bypass that and hope for the best.  They would reach out to specialists and the manufacturer to get the thing open.  

Apple: Within 24 hours of govt taking possession of SB shooter's phone, Apple ID pass was changed—backup may have been accessible prior

LMAO, FBI screwed up.

Can you be more specific please?

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-apple-has-unlocked-iphones-before/

There was a source which said Apple has done this over 70 times, though I've seemed to have lost it. This is just a big case, as to make themselves look good. If the press wasn't watching this like a microscope, they'd be giving it over with ease.

You haven't even read the article you linked. The FBI wants them to create a version of the operating system they can then load onto the phone so they can try hacking the passcode without the phone erasing itself. The FBI wants this software themselves, it is in the article you linked. 

And you think Apple is getting good publicity out of this? Really? Really?