I mean if I choose to power rank I know at the getgo I will eat deaths because I’m not focusing on gear/skills to maximize ranking time.

Dieing in PK is such a non issue. Heavy looting is rare and even if it does happen there are so many gear options to replace and so little hunting that it’s easy to accomplish.

If you want a great record the trade off is ranking defensively.

If there is a very active hunter just eat the death and keep going and in a session or 3 they won’t be a problem anymore.

It’s not rocket science and no matter what you play you will have weaknesses (good game balance). Accept it and move on.