Everyone is different. Some people are 'corinthian', some are not. The rules and the protest process make sure EVERYONE plays on the same, level playing field no matter what their modus operandi may be.

I believe that if you say 'no protests', then: 1) it does not put any pressure on the sailors to study and learn the rules and get better that way, and; 2) opens the door to what other rules can be disregarded. I mean, if you are going to throw out the rules about protesting, why not throw out the rules for ooching, pumping, etc.? Where do you stop? Like I said, everyone is different. The rules are there for a reason.

And Jake is right, we need to make protests more amenable and less of a fight. The protest committee can go a long way there by addressing the issue from the outset of the hearing, and repeating that theme througout the proceeding.