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Yes, it is a waste of time, and yes, even the protest that the umpire is misinterpreting the strikezone SHOULD be run up the protest flagpole, after using best efforts to persuade the coach that he's erroneously protesting a judgment call.
During regular season, I personally endorse the use of a protest fee to discourage the filing of frivolous protests. I don't even mind serving on the protest committee, if the coach is going to pay for the pizza and beer.
During tournament, the expectation is that the coaches will be more competent and informed than your average coach, and would not be so obstinate as to keep protesting all the way to Williamsport when the umpire, the tournament director, and the regional committee have all told him he's a doofus.
But, the rule is the rule. If the coach disagrees with you that he is protesting something that is not protestable, you as the umpire cannot refuse to accept the protest. You must do as the rule says and follow the due process.
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