I wonder if any of them plundered their alts. I mean in that case, while cheating, one can argue that they are being harmed without DIRECTLY harming others. (considering this is sort of a competitive game, one's gain is everyone else's loss so meh... complicated)

Tbh I'm not as against plunder in 4.0 as i did in 2.0 and 3.0 Back then I'd actively hunt reds, because plunder is overpowered and tend to cause more serious damage. But now plunder is, relatively speaking, more tame and more fair, I don't actively hunt red anymore, thou I will retaliate if anyone hunt my members.

Also, I will go after people who whitewash themselves, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, it's hard to build a solid case for cheating for reporting, so I will do what I can on that front.

If you are in a team, you can't be attacked unless you are the leader, and you can form team anywhere, including in your home where it's safe. (or, more likely, your group if you run with gorup mate, or in some random corner of the world)

In fact, you are 100% safe if you hide in your home and have whoever is going to run with you invite you. And then after you are done, get a group mate into the team(if one isn't already) and make the group mate leader(if not already) and have him take you to group base after running yo some random corner of the world. (why the random corner? so in case you want to go to your home, you won't be attacked on exit.)

Yes, I know this is a bit excessive, but I just want to show that with a proper extend of paranoia, you can avoid being attacked. So.... it is ALWAYS partly the fault of the attacked party.