LFS2,

Then I guess I misread your intent with this comment,   "...exactly why the non-battleground states voters should turn to the Libertarian and Green Parties to cast their votes. I took it to mean ONLY non-battleground states should vote third party. Ok, that's cleared up. 

I agree 100% that the two parties  who run the show will not allow any significant change to the rules as they stand. I really hold out no serious hope for that, but for any third party to have a chance to grow that is where it would start. Any third party that does grow to become a significant threat will be co-opted( at a minimum ) or destroyed.  I think third parties serve as an outlet for people who need to feel they are accomplishing something outside of the duopoly we have in this country. That is the function they serve IMO.