Yes... I think it really should be a protected right to protest.... however, like you say... there is a productive and intelligent way to use the right, and then there are ways that might end up being counter-productive in the short or long term. Maybe you achieve the short term goals, but at what cost to the longer term picture?
I do wonder if people have lost sight of the larger picture when taking these actions... not a comment on the causes themselves, but is the battle more important than the war?