Questions.....
If pure total energy is the answer, why don't we all carry a Dirty Harry .44 Mag.? (or nowadays, a .454, a .480, or .50 something?)
If total penetration is the answer, why don't we all carry 9mm titanium hardball? (That should go deep, but leave a tiny hole.)
If so many people die from the .22, why don't we all carry that? (Sure would be easier.)
The FBI went from the 9mm Win. Silvertip in 1986 to a full size-full power 10mm for people of all sizes and genders to carry concealed. How smart was that? (Remember in 1986 the answer was EXPANSION and that is what the Win. ST was designed to do at that time, plus the famous shot had to penetrate an arm before it entered the torso (really not bad penetration).) Yes they did eventually change, but the guy that picked the 10mm LIKED the 10mm.
How deep are the "vital organs"? 12"? 18"? How many people are 18" thick? (Remember there are TWO scenarios. LEO might have to penetrate a door, window, arm, etc., from any angle. 2nd gun or civilians tend to shoot front to front- different needs.)
Is Marshall right? Will the next guy you shoot act exactly like the last one?
Is Fackler right? How many BGs are the same homogenous material w/o bones, or tissue of different density?
Is Sanow right? How many targets wear denim? Or not?
Don't they all contribute SOMETHING? Or do you have your favorite to the exclusion of all others? (Can we say "My mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts!?)
Choose your favorite gunfighter. Does it matter if he has a .38, .357, 9 or 10mm, .44 or .45, or whatever? A revolver, SA Auto, DAO, 1911, S&W, Beretta, CZ, Glock? (Sorry if I left out your favorite. Mine is a 1911.) (Didn't Elmer Keith like a great big hole, properly placed?)
Now do you see why I rate bullet placement so highly? (A hit in the chest is better than the arm.)
To plagerize a line from Massad Ayhoob: You need "mental awareness and preparedness, tactics, and skill with the equipment". Notice the equipment is LAST.
If YOU like it, why don't YOU carry it? (Assuming you don't have to carry something issued.) Carry what YOU have confidence in.
(Missouri Mule, can't you do better? I had hoped you had more to contribute.)