I refrain from posting on the political side of things, but will comment on my experience of the protocol issue. To give some context, I'm from a strongly unionist background/family and area (think 80+%). I've NCed but some people here know me in RL. This is my personal experience.
For me (us), the issue that Brexit happened rather than the protocol. As soon as that happens things get worse for us. But there might be some winners too? They are not in my circle though.
I work in tech area in Dublin area for 15+ years. But moved back to home area about 10 years ago, and travel to "office" a few days per month. For me, it doesn't actually make a difference today since I'm paid from a Dublin based company, and PAYE there. However, there are potential tax issues going forward. Guess: likely no change?
DH is from Co Waterford, also in tech. When his company contracts end, he'll need to relocate and be based in ROI, since almost all his business is with EU customers. It's actually a lot of trouble and disruption, but on the positive side it will be easier to recruit skilled team (but more expensive!). Hard to say how it will turn out. Guess: for the better? or a total disaster?
I'm from a farming background, with DH and DB. Farming is one of the areas that is fairly integrated cross border since the EU, with respect to standards, farm payments/grants, machinery, suppliers, etc. Medium term there are huge concerns with respect to the farm payments/grants, and the impact of the Aussie/New Zealand agreement. Let's see what happens in England, where there are on the leading edge of this. Guess: change for the worse in medium term.
As you can see I'm fairly negative on Brexit. However, the majority of local friends and neighbors are in fact pro-Brexit as a concept (not working in tech or farming though!).