I would argue that most of the BLM officers were not properly armored or with suitable cover.
The decision to retreat was proper because their force was flanked and outmanned. There was no determined effort to resist and carry the operation forward.
It was a tactical decision. There can be another day when the BLM officers are better armored, have better weaponry and cover. The militias will likely be put on defense and will loose.
The outcome though doesn’t depend on who is best armored or armed. The question boils down to does the BLM want to go to war. If they do, the officers will be targets where ever they go, in their homes with their families, at a family meal at McDonalds, at church. Will those officers pull the trigger on Ranchers, Americans? If they do, their lives are at an effective end.
That is all they have learned.
They have not learned they will not be safe until what you suggest starts happening.
We will see.....