Sifu Pat,
I agree. I remember (way back when) fighting a tall guy, I threw a great right that landed square on his jaw. I then stepped back to admire the effects. The guy took the shot, recoiled, then re-attacked.
Every time I feel the need to pause, I remember that butt kicking (ouch).
We are taught to keep attacking with flow, even if we feel that we have connected with a solid strike.
I personally train with a cup, mandatory. My hands have been busted up so much that I usually wear MMA gloves. When kickboxing I wear headgear and 12 oz gloves. It just depends on what we're training that session.
Respectfully,
Sibak Greg