The home invasions really make me shudder. The law for breaking and entering should automatically include attempted homicide for an occupied dwelling, no matter WHAT the crook does...even if they just grab an iPod. I know an open store/armed robbery isn't any different but when I'm out in public I'm probably more alert than at home, even though I have a gun on me around the house.
I bet if the charge for B&E was THAT extreme, a lot of the small timers would think differently and it would give homeowners piece of mind, knowing that if someone STILL breaks in knowing those consequences, they they are definitely in danger and don't need to fear prosecution for defending themselves.