How does a Muslim balance the principle of tolerance and "Repel [evil] with that which is better," with the struggle to obtain one's rights, whether from a Muslim or a disbeliever, so that one's rights are not lost?

Allah has permitted the Muslim to seek his right and retaliate against whoever wronged him, without transgression, in accordance with His saying: "And if you punish, then punish with the like of that with which you were punished." Yet, Allah commanded forgiveness and pardoning the wrongdoer, and promised a great reward for it, as in His saying: "But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is due from Allah." So, Islam permitted taking one's right and encouraged waiving it. Thus, there is no blame on whoever takes his right, and whoever pardons, that is better for him. So, pardoning is recommended, not obligatory.