I will strongly disagree and fight any attempt to diminish our ZoI. One of the things that makes the SCRA unique is the way we are able to get involved across all Sirius to bring down the "alliance" houses.
At the end of the day, that's what needs to be preserved.
As for protection to Civilians. If that's put back on our ID - I won't be disappointed at all. Now the problem comes in for "what is a civilian?".
Civilians in space? Space is dangerous, you go into space with guns on your ship. Traders and miners, we won't shoot. Mercs/Freelancers are currently considered unfriendly/hostile, something which should stay.