The studio is looking into a more comprehensive "PvP on/off toggle" for PvE realms to be introduced alongside Warlords of Draenor. No more AoE flagging?
Essentially the idea behind this toggle is to completely nullify any damage or healing you could do to a PvP flagged player, thus preventing you from getting flagged.
"Well, I understand where you're coming from, but flagging as a PvE character is based on a player's action to flag themselves (even if it's on accident), so I'm not sure it's us making you PvP. The systems that can cause someone to flag can absolutely at times be involuntary, which is notably frustrating," said Blizzard's Bashiok.
"In any case we are continuing toward a goal of a PvP on/off toggle for players on PvE realms to be added in Warlords of Draenor, which would absolutely and in all situations allow someone to refrain from becoming flagged regardless of their actions. Heals toward flagged players would fail, coalescing to PvP realms wouldn't be possible, misclicks and AoE's would never damage a flagged opponent, etc. It's actually quite a bit of work because of all the systems involved, but it's still something we think PvE players should have, and how the game should work for them."
The PvE-only out there could finally breathe a sigh of release and not need worry about PvP flagged 'enemies' when they sprint on by, or suffer those who would purposefully try to get you flagged for combat. What happens if a PvP player groups with PvE? Most likely the PvP flag will be disabled while grouped.