PvP DQ's require XP loss to count.. If conserve kicks in, the attack isn't counted... I should think protection would be the same.
PvP DQs simply require you to "Defeat x players in normal pvp", normal meaning not bounty or gvg , xp loss is not mentioned- you may be confusing with prestige where xp loss has to be "applicable" to gain prestige - either way if conserve kicks in it counts for DQ and for prestige -- I tried recently on a DQ 12 hits, 4 conserves = 12 counts
As for where players have pvp protection - xp loss is not applicable so no prestige is gained, I have not tried a DQ against these players but in theory a defeat is a defeat and it should count against pvp protection - protection only guards xp loss, can still defeat players for gold.
- cucullainn likes this