They don't need the protection anymore no, but they did before Rand cleansed Saidin. And there is no reason to assume that once the connection had been formed, it would vanish just because the taint did. So while it is possible that new recruits no longer get the cords, it seems reasonable enough to assume that all those who joined the DO before the cleansing still have them. That would likely be the majority so Rand could find most darkfriends.



We dont. Maybe they did both. But I would argue that the cords are there since they are apparently required for the DO to filter out the taint. According to Asmodean anyway. And once the DO managed to get his hooks into the Asha'man in question, I doubt he would just release the connection once the taint was gone. Lanfear atleast seemed shocked at the fact that Rand managed to disconnect Asmodean so it cannot be an everyday occurence.