I don't think these people were whistleblowers using the "form" or whatever that went through the proper channels, like the current Ukraine WB.
I think these articles are using "whistleblower" to describe people that leaked sensitive information to the press, and not using the IG/Congressional channels.
It bothers me that you are engaging in this campaign to muddy the waters. It doesn't seem that the journalistic profession cared much for Obama's actions, but they seem unrelated to what is going on here.