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I agree that this is likely what's happening to the M's (players as well as coaches) this year, with regard to balls and strikes. I am generally in favor of keeping the more "traditional" facets of the game in tact... But this sort of thing really grinds my gears. Like you say, it's reality, so there's not a huge point in getting upset over it. But in my opinion, it's complete garbage. Balls and strikes aren't, and shouldn't be, subjective. We know what the strike zone is. We have the technology to call them accurately, if not 100% of the time, then much more often than a human could. With so much money at stake, why do we leave such an inefficient system in place, when we have the tools to improve it? The argument essentially boils down to the fact that people find it quaint. Which is fine, that's a reasonable opinion, and I can empathize. I'm just past the breaking point on this one.
 
Also, with regards to the paying of "dues". Who's to say that any other umpire will understand the situation, and therefor start giving the M's the good calls? This was one particular, terrible, umpire that we are talking about here (Buckner). Just because he botched a call, how will another ump next year 1. know that, and 2. change his calling accordingly? I don't see the connection. I think you must strive for correct game calling always, and get pushed around never.