IANAL, but I agree with your logic. Self-defense is a positive defense. In my view you’re kind of screwed anyway if that’s the defense you’re relying on. “I shot in self defense” starts with the very incriminating “I shot…”
Yeah, it’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6, but you really don’t want to go down that road. Especially in an area where the jury pool thinks guns are scary and evil.
Absolutely true., You really don't want to go down that road. The law frowns on use of force in self defense. No so much on paper, but strongly so in practice. Process is the punishment.
Everybody who is prepared to use deadly force should think ahead of time of when he would, and wouldn't.
I would never use deadly force to assist a stranger in need. They didn't plan self defense, and that makes me sad, but the law will punish me if I help.
I would use deadly force in defense of myself, my family, and friends. They look out for me, too. The government does not look out for me.
I am not saying that calculus is correct for everybody, it is just what I have, hard-baked into my brain, based on my attitude. Certainly do appreciate others willing to take more risk with the law in defense of others. Better people than I am.