Why do so many people believe that voting for Ron Paul is a "wasted vote"?

Voting for the longshot does not make your vote go to waste. First, if everyone who feared a vote for Paul is a "waste" actually voted for him, it would increase his chances of election (ever heard of "majority rules"?). Second, if enough people show their support for Dr. Paul, other candidates would take notice and try to adopt some of his popular principles, which would mean our voice would still be heard. Third, if enough support is generated, it could mean a possible vice-presidential nomination (I want him to be the president, but I will settle for second place). And last, you should vote for the candidate you like most, not who you think has the best chance of keeping Hillary and Obama out of office. If, after this question, you still think a vote for Ron Paul would be a waste, then for God sakes back your answer up with reason.