Yes, ball locks are basically useless. When I was in the towing business, we repo'ed a number of various type trailers just by backing a truck up to the tongue and hooking up the safety chains and taking off. Even 5'vers with pin locks weren't a problem. For those, we'd just back in a tow truck with the wrap around wheel lift stinger extended and pick up the front at the landing gear.
For going down the road, I agree with those that pin the latch as a safety precaution, and would only suggest a lock for those that plan on extended stops in rest areas, truck stops, etc., where the clientele could be "iffy". Others just need to check the hookup at stops. A quick walk around at fuel stops, etc., is always a good idea.