Having to apply protect every single time is like starting off without HP and asking for a heal before starting... it doesn't make sense at all...
I mean... why would anyone NOT apply protect since it gives 10% buff wich isn't nothing. I know no one that would start without having protect on them...
This skill has been so widely adopted like having to breathe IRL that it makes little sence to not just make it something "automaticly" applied.