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The mat is a lazy man's umpire. It is not in the least fair to either the batter or pitcher. It does not take into consideration a ball which passes through the strike zone on an angle.
Everyone thinks the mat is easy, but I've actually had senior ballplayers start arguing over whether the ball hit the mat or not.
The only positive I have ever experienced with a mat is that in games where they are used, a ball that hits the plate is considered a strike. Of course, the batter do not like it, but that just shows their mentality. A ball that hits the plate is usually a prime-time pitch that any half-decent batter should be able to drive.
JMHO
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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