as fighting "clean" unless the battle is fought in the tub and the battle is the object and there is no regard for the outcome.

Otherwise, fighting is a last resort and winning and gaining something by doing so is the only pemissible outcome.

Fighting is not a game. War is not a game. In both cases there should be something to be gained by winning. In both cases a tie, or second place is never acceptable. And in both cases your adversary and all onlookers have be convinced engaging you will lead to disaster.

This is serious business and not adventure and is always a break down in the exploration of alternatives.

In short, all fighting is stupidity. That being said, the history of this planet has generally been defined by this stupidity. "Fighting dirty" is the explanation of the loser to explain the advantage that was gained by the winner and the excuse used for his loss.

Publius