An overemphasis on firearms is always a sign of weakness.
Anyway, back to the reality of the topic at hand...
The language of violent criminals is physical strength. Historically, violent criminals don't respond to pontificating, reasoning, standing still or whatever other strategy you may be fantasizing. A highly effective way to handle a violent aggressor is with overwhelming force. That's why cops and the military carry guns. A well-trained person with a gun is physically strong, and they are equipped to speak a violent criminal's language. It's really that simple.
If my mom were in intensive care, helpless, then I hope someone there would be equipped to counter a violent criminal who was terrorizing my mom's living space.
What real cases? Those are nothing but self serving hearsay. Right up there with the 'there I was' stories you hear drinking beer down at the VFW.
LOL...Wha?