[Mark Yacavone]

I know it's the silly season so bear with me.

The pre-stage light was put there for the driver in that lane's benefit..Nothing more.
Using it to red light or blue light a driver is beyond the scope of it's intended usage.
A typical NHRA over-reaction.

Turn off the blue light, the courtesy staging , the auto start, the time out, etc. and let the starter do his job (see Buster Couch)

How did we ever survive the 70's ?
Jerry McClanahan deep staged every round except the final, at the Amarillo World Finals...Nobody whined or complained or even said a word that I remember.