'If indeed Zimmerman lost Martin (as the transcript of the phone call shows, and is backed up by Martin telling his girlfriend that he’s lost Zimmerman) then how does Zimmerman initiate violence?'
That's where the ongoing debate is interesting. Mr. Martin's girl friend said he chose not to run and was walking, and heard the 'why are you following me' verbage on the line, before it went dead.
Mr. Zimmerman said he went back to his truck in statements to the police.
Also, throw in the perception that whoever is on top of someone in a fight is 'wrong' or the 'attacker'. But, that simply is a position during a fight.
The clear problem is who started the altercation and from what transition is to that of self defense instead of manslaughter.
“The clear problem is who started the altercation”
To me this is what’s important.