Philosphical Question for the Experts

[Grail]

I would like to pose this question to the forum regarding Official Signals vs. Unofficial Signals:

I accept that under NFHS mechanics, the foul tip signal on a blocked shot, the travel signal on an inbounds violation, and the arms spread signal on a not closely guarded situation are all incorrect. In fact, I realize that I need to make sure I'm not making those mistakes.

The question I have is whether or not it really does any harm? Again I know it's not proper mechanics, but those signals do serve a purpose. They communicate what the official saw to everyone in the gym. I ask this group becuase it is a common critique of many members of this forum when they comment on games they have watched.

I know that when a shot is blocked and the official doesn't make a signal that it must have been a clean block, but to listen to the groaning from the crowd and the bench it is obvious that they disagree. At least the signal indicates that the official saw the play and made a ruling.

The travel signal strikes me as being even more informative. The violation signal of an open hand tells everyone that something happened. The coaches may even understand what happened, but the crowd, as we all know, is usually clueless. At least this signal, incorrect as it is, tells them what was called.

Again, let me state that I'm not advocating anyone using personal or improper mechanics, just posing a question as to the philosophy behind the mechanics.