Mentioning “what is at stake here” was the first real acknowledgement of the major issues in this case from the judiciary in over a decade of proceedings. It did feel like something had changed.
One commentator, can't remember who, got it in a nutshell I think. It is another sign of the prestige, the status and sway the US once held over things. UK is also not so beholden as shown by the courts here. Also shows the continued hubris of the "exceptional nation" that they thought a letter stating he could "seek" US Constitutional protections without guaranteeing as requested by the court, and that would be enough.
Even the pathetic Australian government is making noises against the mafia dons in Washington.