home defense question.

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   While I am obviously critical of the approach many Americans take to gun ownership, in their defense I must say that a RSA-style home is not really an option for most.  We all have to live within local parameters.
Many Americans rent, of course, and then you get what you get.  Only apartments in relatively dangerous neighborhoods will have grates anywhere, and there is likely to be an intercom only in urban neighborhoods, and even then not always.
As for homes, there are often strict ordinances regarding structures, as well as even stricter expectations.  Security walls are strictly prohibited in almost all suburban neighborhoods.  Putting grates on your doors/windows will ensure that nobody will invite you over for a barbecue.  The same goes if you consistently answer the door through the intercom.
Most safety-conscious behaviors in a normal safe neighborhood will be interpreted as rude, unfriendly, and just plain weird.
So most homeowners are left with a choice between increasing their protection against an unlikely home invasion, and alienating their actual neighbors.