The actions of the other players do not excuse your own. Each player is judged based on only their own actions, not anyone else. You are judged for your own behavior and the other players will be judged for theirs. It doesn't matter if they "started it" or were being worse than you, it still doesn't mean you can break the rules without consequence.
Returning the favor is not what you're supposed to do. If others were being toxic towards you, the proper response is to mute them and report them after the game if you feel it necessary.