Why the North Korean missile launch is different this time and some history of North Korea.

Great analysis. But I think there's one facet of this whole N. Korea thing that not enough people are mentioning.
I don't have firm figures, but would guess that at least 80% of news (or quotes) attributed to N. Korea are made up out of thin air by western media.
Look at the majority of GLP threads claiming some new threat or statement made by NK.
Most will cite CNN, CNBC, the State Department or Yonhap (S. Korea) as the source. Then go to the official NK news outlet and see what they are saying.
[link to www.kcna.co.jp]
In nearly every case, what the western media is playing up as a NK threat is simply a NK response to a western threat or can't be found period.
Having observed this NK = boogie man behavior by the western MSM(and governments) I'm lead to believe the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.
So why would the west do this?
1)
Well, nothing gets a nation, or nations as patriotic and behind their leaders as an external threat. Especially when said leaders are falling out of favor. Throughout history you'll see many examples of failed leaders rallying their subjects behind them once an external threat seems imminent.
2)
When an economy is failing, as is the US and much of the western world, a war is a great way to put it back on the rails. Just look at the effects WW1 and WW2 had.
3)
The Military Industrial Complex needs a steady stream of new conflicts to keep the profits rolling in.