Seconded, Matt (thirded, Doc?). Sounds like an optimal viewing experience for the fans: one that might even create a slight uptick in enthusiasm for the sport. Gotta wonder what's keeping the commisioner from making this incredibly obvious change. Big Ump lobbyists?
“You find yourself fighting an imperative, you're being a fool.” – that right there, that’s why you’re the kind of conservative I like, Doc. I won’t begrudge someone the general sentiment, “things should change less rather than more, become simpler rather than more complicated.” Just so long as we stay on the right side of Imperatives, I'm happy to debate the rest.
As for why the hitters like umps, here’s my best guess: covering their backsides. Think about it. They already hate striking out looking, so much so that it leads to lots off extra swinging Ks. But in the humiliating event of an impotent backwards K, isn’t it better to for them to return to the dugout barking about a missed call than it would be for a red light to flare up behind them to highlight their emasculation?