the Libertarian party would increase their influence 100-fold if instead of pointlessly fielding their own impossible longshot candidates they would endorse the R or D candidate they feel best exemplifies their principles in national senate and congressional races.
They could also increase 100 fold if they regulated fringe issues to the fringe and focus on things like the freedom of businesses to operate, the freedom of you to be secure in your home, etc. They mention these things but treat them like side issues to things like Pot. They turn off many people to issues they are strong on such as limiting government surveillance when they tie in Alex Jones types into the argument and suddenly it becomes a big trilateral conspiracy.
Also, one other beef I have with them is their attacks on big Corporations. Yes, some are in bed with Big Brother but most are trying to get by in the sea of regulations like the rest of us. The concept of a Corporation who is free to grow as big as it can manage is fundamental in Capitalism. After all, if they weren't free to do that, it means you have a regulatory body restricting their growth- not very Libertarian is it?
Considering what the establishment offers up every cycle, that's like chosing the venerial disease that's just right for me. No one makes it to the top of those tickets unless they are bought, paid for and fully compromised.
You guys should probably get used to being a permanent political minority because you all can't get along with the one group you have the most in common with (libertarians). When you can't get along with people who just want you to leave them alone and in turn will leave you alone, well, you better suck up to the feckless soccer moms again. But be ready for them to turn on you again, if they'll even listen to you.