Wow, Cole. Who are you and what did you do with the "real Cole"

Let me say this outright. General Patraeus is an honorable General despite his mistake. He is an American hero, and should not be demoted for this. I hope it is uncovered he did not do this as acting General (grounds for demotion) as I believe he is one of the greater Generals we've had, especially in this war.
That said, the MSM now HAS to catch on. They can't ignore his resignation just DAYS before the Benghazi hearings, wherein it is believed he was "eager" to tell his/CIA's side of the story. Yet, now, he isn't going to testify. The Republicans heading the committee have a huge decision to make. They can issue the subpoena, but do they? That will be a big, strong, political move, and one that will turn heads and probably upset a lot of people.
I can think of two things about the General that makes this sound plausible. Because I am sorry, with everything going on around him, something isn't right.
1) The CIA personnel on the ground said it was an organized terrorist attack. Days after the attack, General Patraeus said in a hearing (not under oath, I believe) that it was because of "the YouTube video." IE: The party line. He went against his own guys on the ground. Something I am sure did NOT sit well with him. With respect to the General, I think he was strong armed into doing this. MAYBE people above his head (pick one, there aren't many) knew of the FBI intelligence that had knowledge of his affair, and used that against Patraeus if he didn't keep with the party line.
Contrary to the last hearing, he wasn't under oath. Next week, he would have been. I think honor and integrity when it comes to life of his men on the ground took hold... and he will deal with the repercussions of his mistake and he stepped down.
2) Due to his honor and integrity, I think he may have also "taken a bullet" for the President. Look at what Clinton tried to do, and blame herself. But those covering the story just kind of laughed it off, and Obama then said, "She works for me." Mistake? Who knows. I'll even go as far to say, in Obama's defense, he may not know the truth of what really happened. So, Clinton "took the bullet" first, that failed. So the DCI steps down in a second attempt... and force the MSM to look at Benghazi, and then place blame on the Generals "poor decision making."
This could have been the ultimate show of personal and public sacrifice by a General that happens to be DCI.
If I had to venture a guess, my money is on number 1. But, all things have to be considered. As you said, Cole, the MSM has to "grow the balls."