M,

Forget "protest" voting.  If one thinks Trump or Clinton is the best candidate (define best however one wants), that person is who one should vote for.  But if one doesn't and one thinks a third party candidate is the best candidate then that is who one should vote for, regardless of what state or territory they are in.  The only way a third party becomes a serious alternative is by folks voting for them and continually voting for them.  There is no magic to creating  a third party.  It takes commitment, money, organization, hard work, and lots of people.

A true mission impossible is thinking the two parties will want and allow the current voting system to change.  Why would they?  The rules are stacked in their favor.  That, they will show bipartisanship on every time.