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I have never stated that they weren't on the top of the list. The Center for Disease and Control also says on that very page:
"Although some breeds were disproportionately represented in the fatal attacks described in this report, the representation of breeds changes over time (Table_1). As a result, targeting a specific breed may be unproductive; a more effective approach may be to target chronically irresponsible dog owners (9)."
Some years there were very little numbers, and others, very large numbers. I agree with you that it does have everything to do with the number of them in the population, as they are now one of the most popular breeds. About 3 years ago, they were the number one registered breed in the United States, making up roughly 10 percent of the entire dog population, so of course the numbers will show it. And as for PETA, well, they are extremists in the worst sense of the word. They actually want to phase out pets entirely. As an animal lover, part of me agrees that we shouldn't have them because I am sure they aren't living the lives they should be, but if PETA had their way, no one would even have a goldfish, and everyone would be vegan. Due to their terrorism in recent years they have lost any and all clout they may have once had as a respectable organization.
But back to the point, the numbers on the site are a few years old because the CDC no longer does them. They have said it is simply too risky to rely on random people to describe a breed of dog in an attack, and furthermore they urge people to focus their attention on education of owners so that they can control their dogs no matter what the breed. That is the real problem, as quoted above. And yes, back yard breeders are a bane to this breed. They are in most cases the exact root of the problem. The breeders who actually take the time and money to temperament test, health test, and provide the best veterinary care don't make anything off of breeding dogs, and should only be interested in improving the breed, not making poorly bred, mentally off dogs for money. If it were up to me, the breed would not be banned, but people should have to get all non-showing dogs and dogs with any temperament issue whatsoever fixed, and they should have all their dogs temperament tested and licensed, like they do in Germany. Not just that breed, any breed. There are many people out there with little butt holes for dogs because they think because the dog is small, or cute, or whatever that it's ok for them to raise hell. So strong dogs like pits, rotts, shepherds, etc. can't make those same mistakes. They will hurt someone simply due to owner stupidity. I believe that everyone should be held to the same standard. Any human-aggressive dog needs immediate action. But not an entire breed.