We are all choosing to play. Attacking and defending is part of the game. "You chose to attack" almost seems to say we are choosing to be punished for doing so at this stage of the game. I have to prepare my attack, but you don't have to prepare your defense. No one sees a problem with this? Why should the unprepared be given any advantage? What game are we playing here?
You can say there is no need to attack, and to that I'll ask again, what game are we playing here?
Give both sides free gear or take it away.