Oh, I don't know... Perhaps this portion:
Seems to imply that you're willing to take a few more liberties than you should. Maybe I'm wrong, but you're new here, so expect a lack of trust from us until we get to know you.

that seems to be your problem, not mine. this is a forum, not a ball field.
on a ball field, the one to distrust is the partner that would throw another fellow umpire under the bus. that's who I distrust.

This is the internet, not the field. Anyone can come here and say whatever so new posters have to build credibility. If they really know about umpiring it will eventually show.

correct, this is a forum, and used for discussion. I asked how one thinks taping knobs might affect the game. same line of questioning as the poll.

And from the very first post, I answered that question. But since you missed it, I will repeat.

Bat doctors will gain entry to the insides of a bat via two routes: the end cap or the safety knob. In doing so, they end up causing visible damage to the safety knob, and they cover up the evidence by using safety tape.

For that specific reason, there are those who believe that taping over the safety knob should not be allowed.

Clear enough?

no, I saw it, and if you read my replies, I agreed. other than doctoring, or a loose knob, there's really no legit reason (other than legality) to worry about tape on the knob that I can think of. that's why I followed with a rhetorical question.

there are many replies to me, all at the same time from all angles, and for reasons having nothing really to do with answering what I posted, so I got distracted and didn't acknowledge your post directly. I was busy dealing with the gang mentality.

but I agreed w/ everything you wrote. unless I can add to the agreeing, I usually don't just post to agree. so I made a comment in another direction and at another angle to move the discussion forward, that is all. I am making no attempt to ignore your initial post or be snide towards it. if you feel that, please reread. I assure you, there is no intention there remarking against your OP on my part whatsoever, and any impression of such unintentional.

have you had coffee yet?

And that specific reason was rejected by ASA, so what is so hard for your guys to accept?

Uhhh... I do accept it, Mike. :)

At no point in time have I ever said that covering the safety knob is illegal. All I have said was that the concern was valid, but that's where it ends. Period.

I didn't say you, I said "your guys"

No comments about my vision, please... :D

I really don't know what their deal is. They're looking for something that just isn't there.

Or it is there and someone covered it up with tape :D

Crap, I've got enough to worry about with bat doctors. Now I've gotta worry about rule book doctors? :eek:

Dave, check PM

No, Mike, I don't want to buy any Girl Scout Cookies... :D

Damn, what am I going to do with all these Trefoils?