Just for the record, I know a combat pilot with one of the major null blocs who has never fitted a weapon or combat drone to her ships. She’s only been flying for 7 years, but she’s made multiple appearances in the AT and has been involved in many of the largest space battles ever seen. So it is possible.
But I agree, it’s not possible to keep one’s hands truly clean. Riever Geist may have absolutely no kills, ever, but she’s kept ships flying while they killed people.