What is it that draws people to mastiffs in general? There are lots of reasons some good others not so much.
I also find that the word "protection" varies greatly depending on which individual you ask. In fact many confuse "protection" with "watch dogs." Any dog can be a "watch dog" for example someone walking down the street, strange cars, doorbell ring, strange noise, etc. The only thing a "watch dog" does is alert the owner that something is there, possibly giving a chance for the owner to react. Protection dogs on the other hand are meant to do just that, if a threat is being made they are trained to ACT being it by bite or knocking an opponent down. Many people make the assumption that their dog will protect them, is a dangerous misconception IMO.
For example I wanted to see if Thor would do anything if someone came into the home and attacked me. After all he puts on a good display if he see's something or someone he doesn't like. Many dogs do this barking , growling, lunging at a "threat" from a distance. But what happens when there is no "barrier" there? And the dog is forced to face the "threat," what happens then? Does the dog stand its ground face the "threat" or retreat. Well I paid someone to come out and test Thor, ( though I had a feeling what would happen) needless to say I was right.....Thor confused more than anything he ran away and barked at the "threat" from a distance.
So in that retrospect some people might want a dog that would do a little "more." GSD, Dutchies, Mals, Rotts, are the usual top dogs that come to mind even if you do all your homework right there is still no guarantee you'll come out with a good dog. Then there are things like "sport" vs "working" BS, health, lifestyle choice, etc. With a Fila it takes out all the "guess work" of the dog, but again temps vary. As mentioned for someone looking for true "protection" the Fila, CAO, CAS, gull terr, are good "man stopping" breeds, but if your a social person, then these dogs are less than ideal. In fact even our own mastiffs at one point in time were probably great protection dogs until their temps became less important and were watered down.
Personally I find these and many more "untouched" breeds fascinating.
People need to do a lot of things but that doesn't mean that they will do it. You can give some all the tools, support, and knowledge they will ever need but unless that individual takes it upon themselves realize their mistake its pretty much "useless." Usually people live in the now act on impulse and very seldom think about the "what ifs" just part of human nature, we all do it.