I used the word "mitigate" not "prevent" DE loss. Rather than simply give up, which is ones choice choosing and/or building a DE centric base may provide a win/loss ratio one can live with. I am not suggesting, implying or even stating that a TH8 can defend against an executed attack by a TH9 - but attacking skill, troop composition are also factors. One has to try, versus simply putting you DE in a corner and saying "here it is" - thats all I am saying my friend(s).
After all TH8 face other TH8 and TH7 - TH9's are not their only problem.

