I know first-hand of it saving a family member from a gun. You mace as soon as the guy comes towards you. It is better than nothing!
I am in no way blaming the victim but I would not be walking around like that at 10:30 at night. The report said they were going to get Amber’s car. I didn’t hear any other details. Curious as to why her car was there and why her mother was with her. Need more details.
Yes, but bringing a gun to a gunfight makes much more sense.
If you plan, prepare for the worse and CC.
You are so right. Many people will hesitate to use a drawn gun. And some of those folks don't even know that they will hesitate. I read that something like 30% of combat infantrymen during WW2 had that "condition". Their moral code conflicted with their duty to fire.
Now add to that the problem of hitting an innocent bystander, or hitting an innocent person that you misidentified as a threat.
There are cases where only a gun will do. But as you said, mace is better than nothing. Much better.