"Also missing from the discussion is the need to develop good habits when in bear country - situational awareness, clean camps, proper food storage. Doing right in those areas and you may never have to deploy either gun or spray. "

That's missing from the debate because "good habits in bear country" is not the topic. The debate is "guns vs. spray". Going on about habits in bear country is like being at a "airbags vs seat belts" conference and saying "well you know, if you just use good driving habits you'll likely never need airbags or seat belts".

True, but irrelevant to the discussion. The point is to explore the benefits of tools employed once the collision has already commenced.