So instead of accepting a state-controlled imprisonment he chose a voluntary period of conditions quite similar to being imprisoned.

Yes, that's what anyone who has ever fled an arrest warrant has done. It also apparently worked, as he was able to outlast the Swedish warrant (though I understand that the charges are technically suspended, not dropped).

That is compelling evidence that he was serious about fearing extradition to the US to face whatever horrors they have in store for him.

If he was serious about that then he probably should have been very careful about not irritating his hosts, which he seems to have done flagrantly and repeatedly.