In most countries, TOR Exit nodes and VPN servers are not illegal (but it can be hard to find a host for them).
Those work similarly to STEEM and other blockchains, as they are often actively distributing illegal content. I would assume STEEM and other blockchains fall under a similar law, as the intent of running a STEEM server is not to view illegal content, rather it is to support an open network.
Of course I wouldn't be surprised if some countries decided to take advantage of this problem and use it as a way to ban cryptocurrencies.
There are quite a few logical justifications for not molesting Steem witnesses, yes - but as you point to, there are clearly those 'actors' in society who will attempt to leverage just about any angle to turn public opinion and legislation against both cryptocurrency and actually also against real free speech.. For those reasons I think it is necessary to have the 'legal' situation clearly defined for witnesses in the event that it becomes necessary as a result of aggressive action of some kind against us. At the very least, a clear legal statement will give reassurance to investors.