My thought is about battle itself. IF I understand it correct, never having to fight another Hearthling before, when you battle, you attack the SHP first right, like how the animals deal damage, that means that you need to take an extra step to Murder someone right, or activate a CrimeSkill right.
IF its not like that ignore the rest of this post, if it is, continue.
Why not confirm the standings of combat with your opponent. instead of outright MURDER you only knock the target unconscious and then do your little bit of pillaging, this way only those that attack are at risk of losing their character due to their desire to attack others for their work.
I doubt anyone will be getting back up after regaining consciousness and say, OH hey lets attempt to retaliate at the fellas that Knocked me out with one shot. Surely that was a lucky hit and it won't happen again even with so little SHP...
Only if its agreed between the two parties that it will be TO THE DEATH, will deaths actual happen...
EDIT: Yay for bad Grammar, Mix of tiredness and something funking happening to my Post Creation Text Box.