I'm loving this expression of concern and I agree with your above note.

But node runners have another good option to defend their rights mentioned above: Bitcoin Knots.

Similarly if something similar happens to to it too, maybe many more node implementations will show up and the protocol will survive stronger giving attackers a lesson that will be felt in their pockets.

My personal reaction ( and recommendation to anyone with same concerns) not upgrading the Core implementation and installing Knots. Vote with your Raspberry Pi the way you want and options you decide.