First shot and down. If you are ever in that situation recoil doesn't factor in. And today you can buy a 40 that is small enough to lug around. A 22, like anyone in their right mind would consider, is lethal.... in a matter of time. An attacker can close twenty yards in a quarter of that time and press home an attack. Will a 22 stop an attack? Don't bet your life on the answer to that question.
I carry a Colt Officer in 45 ACP. It will let me decide when the fun and games have run their course and will close the deal. I Guarandamntee it. My life may depend on that statement some day and I am perfectly comfortable making it. I also have a couple Smith 13's stashed in the RV and house and they are also perfectly capable of letting me be the one who gets to decide if and when the party is over. At that point further discussion is superfluous and the party is over. Me 1, bad guy zero is the score and all that is left is me still being in a position to sit back and let the proper authorities sort out the particulars. If you need shot, you need stopped, you don't need to somebody playing patty cake w/you.
Your response is right on, and the mind set is in place straight forward.
I read in the caliber war about how the 9mm is so great with the newer powders and projectiles, my view on that BS is: If the 9mm is so much better today then it was thirty years ago, just thick how great the 45ACP is today from thirty years ago.
If I have a 6foot five methed out skitsafrinic psycho about to do me bad, I want a big gun to stop the threat RIGHT NOW!
I quit carrying my Colt 1911 when I bought a Glock 20 in 10mm with fifteen rounds in the magazine & one in the tube. Stopping power at it's finest.