Why is it such a big deal, that the 400 million dollar payment made to Iran, took place after hostages were released. it was clear that the payment was going to be made and that the hostages was a separate issue. Now the US is "conceding" that the payment was "delayed" to gain "leverage" with regard to the prisoner release.
Firstly, I do not think the payment was in exchange for the prisoner release. The timing may have been used as a slight manipulation to coax them or encourage them to do it, but the payment was getting made regardless of the prisoners.
Next, why is it a bad thing to consider prisoner swaps, or offering good will money, ok you can call it ransom to get prisoners released? It is not going to increase the number of prisoners that get abducted and held for ransom. That is what the argument against doing that is, but really, it has little bearing on the abductions. Doesn't a government have a responsibility to ensure the safety and safe return of their citizens? Do they have any obligation to their citizens, if they do, then why do we have this stance of, well if you get snatched overseas you are on your own?