Home security/defense

[DaFace]

I've got an honest question for all of those who like having a gun around for home defense, and I promise there's no ulterior motive here - I'm just curious about the thought process.

As I've mentioned a couple times in this thread, the stats are pretty clear that you increase the likelihood that you or a family member will be shot just by having a gun in the house (even when controlled for training, storage, etc.). Here's a decent article that discusses all of the possible reasons why if you're interested.

As I'm sure many of you have noticed, I'm a numbers guy, so the stats make it a pretty clear choice for me. But for those who prefer to have a gun around, what's the logic? It seems that any of these are plausible rationalizations:

1. Most people aren't as careful as I am
2. I'd rather go down shooting than be unable to defend myself
3. The studies are wrong/biased/etc.

Am I on track with the above? Are there other reasons I'm not thinking of?