Was all part of the game back then. If you didn't have an enforcer or 2 your stars couldn't shine. Simple as that.
IIRC, McSorley, and the fact his sweater always came off easily (intentionally done for obvious reasons) was the reason the rule changed in that regard?
My most memorable fight of McSorley was when Wendel Clark gave it to him pretty good for his cheap shot on Doug Gilmour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUVl7qqmaAY
Pound for pound I don't think anyone was tougher than Clark. Joey Kocur was a tough customer and maybe just as tough but since Clark and him were cousins, they never fought.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS8LU3Lwep0