Yes, you are right!... well, maybe not in the invasions... the Viking and Mongol invasions where more like a enormous undead horde! not an 'usual' war!... but this is not the point...
I think a few PvE could generate much more, and more interesting PvP!... in short is not PvP against PvE, is PvE as a way to better and encourage PvP... wherever, I think maybe this is not the treat to treat this.