Moved to Community Support - Please use the correct category next time
I would suggest using the ProtocolSupport plugin. This won't change your server version but rather allow users to join on older versions. You can also use ViaVersion, but you'll need these three plugins:
ViaVersion: Base Plugin
ViaBackwards: 1.9+ Support
ViaRewind: 1.8-1.8.8 Support Locked - Question has been answered
You can use them on Minehut. Make sure they're enabled though, you can check this in your server settings under Command Blocks. Locked - Question has been answered
You'll need to OP yourself to run this command, follow this tutorial if you are unsure how to
To turn on the whitelist, run the command /whitelist on once you are opped. Locked - Topic has been addressed
Like others have said, if your appeal has been accepted but you haven't been unbanned, you should message the moderator who processed your appeal. Locked - Topic has been addressed.