So, here is a quick list of observations of Alec Baldwin's behavior on the set in regard to firearms.

This list includes him firing blanks, presumably to let off steam, after "cut" had been called. Several cases of him manipulating the firearm, including the hammer and the trigger, were observed with no call for the firearm to be used. Baldwin was even reported ad using the gun as a pointer prior to the shooting.

Alec Baldwin sound like he was rivaling Homer Simpon in The Cartridge Family episode on this set.

I thought this was shaping up as a slamdunk case a few years ago. Barring new evidence that I'm somehow not aware of at this point, it would be a travesty of Baldwin got off with less punishment than his armorer.