I guess I missed something
I didn't see anyone put words in your post
I only keep 1-2 fish a year
I have let go hundreds of large bass
some I don't even take from the water, it's easy with a single hook, then I hold the tail and revive and release, no way that fish dies, maybe of old age or a week later to a commercial but not from me catching it.
I think large have as much chance as a schoolie after a fight as long as you don't mistreat either one. Does that answer your point?