It makes perfect sense. If I don't abstain there are 7 alive which means scum only need 1 extra vote. If there are 8 alive, they need 2.
The protection example doesn't work because it would be reported as a failed kill, given that there isn't one I have to have abstained (you could maybe argue that I crossfired with Mafia).
Me being scum isn't the issue here, I've admitted to that, I'm saying that if you lynch me the game is over because Mafia will win tonight.