ScarletRose: I think there's a degree of truth in most of these points of view.Do I think studies could show pit bulls to have far less violent temperament than depicted?

Yes, but a percentage of owners train them otherwise,it's the owners who are at fault.
There are always going to be out of character accidents,like a toy poodle thirsting for blood,and in some cases a dog(any breed)is just plain mean,owners just have to be careful,animals are unpredictable.

by the way,I too love labs,and have wanted one for years