Exactly what I wanted to say. I think it should be non-lethal by default, only with brass knuckels, a perk that you can switch on/off, or when the opponent is on the ground should it be lethal.

Would be also nice if your lvl 1 noob character walks in the "wrong alley" can get beaten up and mugged, but not automatically brutally murdered like in every other RPG.

enchanted gloves would be great, like enchant gloves the same way you can enchant a weapon.. uhm.. unequipping(not the right word is it?) opponent? strangling as you mentioned sounds great too as well as neck snaps.