Could we solve this with an official "champion" option? Allow people to name someone else to fight in their stead? If it's an official game option, the punk can't complain much, and most kings will hold a champion with a really good skill so the punks can get a beating.
This would be especially useful in situations where characters are clearly outmatched. Courtiers, Priests and the like. It might even create a little side market for hired swords!
