Good comparison. Both destructive. I sure would not want to be in the path of either.
For in-home defense, where the risk of over penetration is heightened, and the need for stopping power is also high, bird shot makes a lot of sense.
The birdshot video in E Pluribus’ post has the added benefit of a wallboard backstop, to assess the possibility of hitting loved ones on the other side of the wall.
And as you note, the bad Guy likely won’t be home for Christmas.