Because agreeing to settle by fight proves you&#x27;re not scared to fight. It shows that even if another person can beat you, they&#x27;re going to have to work at it, and risk damage in the process. Loosing a fight is <i>much</i> better for a reputation than declining to fight.<p>I am speaking on behalf of the thinking of kids I used to teach in a rough neighborhood. I&#x27;ve never lived with such dynamics myself.