I don't think you should feel any more comfortable attributing malice to Ed than to me. In fact, you should feel less comfortable; Ed's more sincere and thoughtful than I am.

There is no malice attributed to Ed. It was a thoughtful comment that made a lot of sense at the time, enough to convince me to pursue a course of action that I otherwise wouldn't have taken. No fault doesn't mean no effect. If I was Ed and had his perspective I'm sure I'd have said the same comment. That comment did have a part in affecting other individuals (well, me at least) deciding actions they'd take, especially because Ed is a respected member of the community, who is sincere and thoughtful.

No fault != No effect.

The point is each and every action we take in this world changes it in some way. And it's simplistic to say no one in this community had any part in Swartz's death.