They can still play spoiler in the primary. In fact, might be more of a factor there: I'm more comfortable voting for a third party candidate when I know that I'll be able to still have effect in keeping out the greatest evil down the line.
Obviously, if ballot access or funds are still apportioned based on general election results, that's inappropriate.
"No, since there is a big difference between reducing a person enough in a general to lose versus keeping them from being one of the top two."
In 2012, keeping Emken from being in the top two in the primary would have required removing 278,800 votes. Giving Emken the victory in the primary would have required removing 3,098,000 votes.
To the degree that this is typical, I would say that there is a big difference but it favors spoilers.
"Which they would be."
What do you mean "would be"? This isn't hypothetical - is that the case in CA or isn't it? If it is, then it's a strong objection. If it isn't then it's an objection to a system that doesn't exist.
"Plus, party collusion that happens (see federal election commission) pretty much locks a third party out of the general."
Agreed, I just don't think this is a strong example of that.
If this system had been implemented at a national level Perot wouldn't have got his 5% and thus no matching funds for the next election[1]. Also, if I remember the vote totals correctly, Bush 41 would have had a second term with no Perot in the general.
I believe the math favors the two parties on primaries because they can pay to mobilize.
I'm not a lawyer, but I do believe CA has election considerations (and laws) based on how folks do in the general.
It sounds very much like the Democrats feared a Nader and the Republicans feared a Perot or Tea Party challenger. It solidifies the people who own the machines.
1) how that 5% was wasted in the next general is not really much of a debate
Yes, as I said, if there are things based on a showing in specifically the general election, then this change (coupled with a failure to fix those things) is disadvantageous to smaller parties, and is probably inappropriate. Absent that, I don't think it is (clearly) a problem. What remains is a simple question of fact, which a quick search is failing to resolve... I don't think the appropriate response is to make assumptions and rail against assumed injustice where there are plenty of demonstrable injustices. Do the research or stop whining.
Obviously, if ballot access or funds are still apportioned based on general election results, that's inappropriate.