People need to understand that Thorfinn will fight if it is the last resort
He did it in the Baltic Sea Arc- MULTIPLE times, and he is doing it now in the Vinland Arc- this is the "in between".
He will protect his loved ones/family/friends by using the Last Resort.
He said it himself in the Slave Arc
Violence for him is the last resort, everything else is the First Resort- Running, Talking, Dodging, even getting himself beat up.
And he has showcased both ends- he will fight if hes pushed into a corner, and if he cannot do anything else.
He will always try to use the First Resort.