My rival list has probably >60% 499ers or less, just to avoid being hit.
A solution for this: any player who is above level 100, hence able to have 500 mafia members, but choose to be a 499 noob, has 1/2 of the 500 respect coins given when they complete the Thug life.
This would make them think twice.
Please support. (well, unless you are a 499er...)