I just sample some guys, defense building does not count for PvP.

I attacked some guys continuously day by day on farming respect points, rarely lose a fight, and the fighting screen always show his/her defense < my attack points 2000 - 3000 points.

But recently I check their hoods and what shocked me is their total defense points > my total attack point about 7000 - 12000 points, credit to those gold defense buildings.

If their defense buildings count to PvP, I should lose more often when attack them, but that does not happen (as they thought), 95% of the fight I'm the winner. Don't count on defense buildings when you're attacked.

(Blind fighting may give you more benefit than awareness fighting, just fight anyone in the rival list, you might win those who you do not dare to attack if you visit their hoods)