Earlier quoted context omitted.
> a two-party system creates the divide because it encourages such a powerful "us vs them" feeling I agree, but that's just the punch-and-judy show. The real disaffection stems from seeing how the incentives of politicians are reliably not aligned with their nominal constituents. We have legal precedent establishing money as speech, and a steep hill to climb for any third party to win the prerogatives which the two m…
Personally, I agree both parties are severely problematic, don't feel they're equally problematic. I vote for third party candidates with policy I actually agree with when it isn't going to negatively affect me or others when they inevitably lose. The sad reality is that FPTP makes strategic voting necessary if you want to have any kind of power. In addition to the issues you mentioned we need score or ranked choice…
Voting for a 3rd party is not a de facto protest vote, nor is it throwing it away in any case. What power do you get for voting for a party not aligned with your interests? If a third party should achieve a 5% vote, they are eligible for federal funds and would have a big impact on ballot access nationally.
That may not be very persuasive to you (based on conversations I've had with others who felt similarly), but I no longer need regret voting strategically (which actually feels like throwing my vote away).