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Fork in the road, one way is less bumpy, the other is wrought with trouble
I think if it was a problem, there would be a penalty.
My point exactly. There is no defined penalty, so when you say "Please don't do that." and he ignores you, you are the one that is in trouble. You now have to make a decision, do I escalate this and risk having someone call me on enforcing a rule without a penalty. I choose the other route. If you've asked the catcher not to give a sign until the batter is ready and looking at the pitcher and that doesn't solve it, then I wait for the next infraction and call "Time". I step away and when the catcher asks what's wrong, I tell him that the pitcher did it again. If it continues, then I know that they are screwing with me and I always win this battle. The strike zone shrinks and after a pitch or two, they get the picture. If not, I'll have a new battery in front of me very soon, for arguing balls and strikes. That penalty is clear and enforceable.
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