It was never about the protocol.
The protocol is just a proxy for retrofitting a veto into the GFA on everything as evidence by Paisley Junior's Bill in the HoC yesterday and also a proxy for refusing to accept democracy, 2nd place and an SF FM.
I understand your view on SF but in reality CHH is indulging tantrum throwing UNLESS he believes he can get a deal that the DUP can sell to the hardcore as a win and a justification of their stance.
The protocol works, SPS aside, is not devolved and therefore does not require cross community consent. They have no case. It seems the UDA are pissed that their drug supply lines are being interrupted at Larne and that adds in to the cross-border gangland element at play.