Bottom line is IF you encounter a true predatory bear, which while rare, do exist, could you survive the encounter?
I'd like to believe I could, but I'd rather avoid it altogether if possible.
I don't plan on avoiding outdoor areas were they live, so that leaves only a few options in my mind.
You either carry a lethal option, or you carry a non-lethal one.
In grizzly country or areas where black bear are particular aggressive, I'd carry both ( legaly of course).