Rules of the road #1; if you're being fouled by a boat, hit THAT boat - not another if given a choice!

You are not to be held accountable for the actions of another but if it goes to the protest room, it is important that the boat(s) that were fouled lodge a protest. i.e., the guy that rear-ended the other needs to be sure he files protest against the barging boats that caused him to do so.