Copy/paste fails

no problem.

My destination folder is, I believe, a protected one and it won't do to delete

Meant to say:
1.- In MacOS Finder, duplicate the folder you want to send to Trash, this duplicate will be your testing playground.
2.- In Keyboard Maestro, create a new macro with just one action:
Trash folder: for the path, select the duplicated folder you just created.


3.- Run this macro, and let us know if it works

Also: ==Read this advice from Peter about using Trash vs Delete==