"How about the intestinal fortitude of a person who didn't pick up a weapon and ended the conflict peacefully?"
A peaceful solution to a conflict is always preferred. That includes simply backing down and leaving. However, there are those in this world, found mainly in prisons and gangs, who, when they've chosen you as a target, you attempt a social solution, will despise you all the more.
Your Pacino, Cuban accent example is lost on me. If it refers to a movie, then I haven't seen it.