If someone under protection hits a higher level for any reason,then the protection should be ended.By attacking a higher level,they have clearly shown they don't want the protection.Perhaps a pop up should appear saying "Warning,if you attack [xxx] you will no longer be under protection.Click [yes] to confirm you wish to end your protection.Click [no] to cancel the attack and remain protected for the remainder of the 30 days."
If your under protection you can only attack a higher level if they are on the hitlist. Everyone knows your fair game then.
If this was already suppose to end the protection,then you might want to look at it closer as it doesn't.
I wont lose any sleep because i didn't get to PK a baby lol I understand what your saying, but it doesn't bother me. I would rather wait for their protection to end and let them build up a bit. I do think the protection thing is something a player can opt out of but it should be at level 1. You either have it or you don't. I am under protection at the moment and I can't attack a higher level. I haven't tried punching but i would think that's the same. Not happy.
Then here is a possible solution.While under protection,no attacking anyone on the hitlist.Should you attack anyone on the list,that pop up I mentioned should appear.Just my 2 cents.
I will vote a 10. Only reason is because i had a small player get the final hit on my bounty and won. And i couldn't return the favor back to them. But when i was gaining levels and started no protection for me and i took my hits so the game should go full circle for everyone regardless of new players coming in transfers whatever. You hit a higher player or win a bounty or pistol whip one you get the favor returned right back.