Mr Irish. In the Eighties the FBI did a comprehensive bit of research with a view to updating the self defence training for their personnel. They reviewed hundreds of thousands of assault reports to see what worked in real life, and what did not. There was the odd individual case where a death Ninja specialist won the day, or individuals hopped up on drugs, but the only factor that gave a consistently above average chance of victory was muscle mass. They're harder to inflict injury upon, have a greater capacity for continuing to fight when injured, and simple physics dictates they can apply more force.
Humans are omnivores and would take live prey in the wild. Our eyes are on the front of our head because were predators, not prey. Were genetically programmed to assess oir prey and this programming instinctively tells them they're on to a loser when their prey significantly outsizes them. At a whisker under 6'4" and 265lbs (and I'm not a fatty, ex bodybuilder and power lifter) I'm American pro wrestler territory size. I'm expert in such matters (more on that in a moment) and your assertion that size doesn't matter is almost universally incorrect.
I'm also H2H trained in the army, an ex boxer, a black belt at TKD, BG/CP trained, and was a qualified defensive tactics instructor, and a specialist bicycle defensive tactics instructor (bikes can make grand weapons and shields) so thank you formyour concern but I'm well able to read and assess the tactical situation to determine whether its best to hold or fold. I've also a healthy dollop of cocky confidence, so even when I'm scared I don't give aggressors the warning signs they'll be subliminally looking for when anticipating a spirited physical defence, such as groundkicking, face redenning (followed by sudden draining of colour), chin dropping to protect wind pipe, large hand gestures, target acquisition glances, or other tell tell signs of impending physical attack/resistance.
Perhaps you could enlighten as to your credentials in the field of defensive tactics Mr Irish, and explain to us what expertise your comment is based upon?
I'd rather not fight, it's undignified, but if its imperative to do so then I'll don't with maximum speed and aggression, then I'll be off in my toes. The cash point incident I stood a fair chance of getting hurt if I did nothing, so had nothing to lose by acting. A few seconds pretending I was scared and fumbling for my wallet and they were into my fighting arc with anticipation...
Accy isn't me, he may or may not have my mindset and physical attributes, but he did what he felt was sensible at the time, and I respect that decision. If it had been me they may well have been less likely to gob off, or they could have all been up on crack and feeling ready to fight Hulk Hogan. I'm pleased he's not hurt but genuinely saddened to hear that he's been left upset (Accy that is, not Hulk Hogan)