Cool. If the network becomes 1.7, they
- Need to redo some plugins
- Fix some packet stuff that 1.7.10 gives us
- Redo the AntiCheat because packets are gay
You could have the server accept connections from players on protocol version 5 (from 1.7.6-pre1 to 14w02c) and later instead of 47 (1.8 - 1.8.9), but then all the packets will be messed up. You have to fully modify how the server sends 1.7.10 clients packets, and even then it can be a little bit janky. This can cause TONS of issues and it won't even be worth it in the end, because hardly no one uses it for OpFactions, OpSkyblock etc, only for Minigames & Practice.
Not to mention all the blocks that did not exist in 1.7.10 and do exist in 1.8.8 (server version), among them being Coarse Dirt, Granite, Andesite, Diorite, and all of their respective forms. Also, armor stands do not exist which are used all across Pika (most notably those floating nametags / holograms).