These thoughts came from reading the Whataburger threads. One point that was brought up by a couple members was "What if the BGs have a plant in the store?" or "What if they have a lookout outside?"
I'm no hero, and I'm sure not a Rambo, but my thought is that if "what-iffing" will paralyze you with indecision, you had better not carry.
Assess the situation as best you can, then deal with "What is."
I cannot depend upon the benevolence and good intentions of armed robbers. I don't carry so I can snivel "Please don't hurt me" in the corner. I also don't carry so I can take advantage of an opportunity to be foolish. I carry so I have the means to defend myself and my family.
As for the hostage scenario, it would definitely be difficult. One thing I've told my wife is that if someone breaks in and is holding one of our daughters, and she has a gun pointed at him, DO NOT SURRENDER THE WEAPON.
He might say "Put the gun down and nobody will get hurt", but these guuys lie. I explained that if she puts the gun down everybody will most likely die. You can't trust a criminal, except to be a criminal.