Unnecessary vs wasteful action

Solution 1:

on balance TFD

Considering everything; all taken together.

As in:

On balance, the actual changing from standard time to daylight savings time is the problem.

Solution 2:

Consider calling it ineffective. This has the connotation of having "no overall effect/benefit". It is more pointed than the bland unnecessary and doesn't give the "adverse external effects" of wasteful. Calling DST ineffective limits the main "waste" to "the activity itself".

ineffective adjective Not producing any significant or desired effect. ‘the legal sanctions against oil spills are virtually ineffective’ - ODO