If all that can be proven is that he was running Silk Road then the major concern is that he was really nothing more then a forum operator. Although he was marketing his forum to people trading illegal drugs he should not be held responsible for what was sold on it
He made huge amounts of money from the drug selling business going on on his "forum" on his watch.
He was in it for the $$$ - get rich quick.
Almost anyone that creates a forum/website/business is ultimately going to be in it for the money.I don't think this facts proves/shows anything.
There are other sites that have illegal goods sold on them however their owners are not charged with similar crimes.