The .410 may not be "terrible" for Home Defense distances, but if needed do you want to hit with half the stopping power and half the pellets of a 12?
Some folks don't do so well with the weight and / or recoil of a 12 gauge. Even comparing a 12 gauge with reduced recoil loads a 410 kicks less when you compare like guns. More pellets are better....to a point. By the same logic I should use my 835 loaded with 18 pellet 00 Buck. Pretty much like unleashing two reduced recoil / tactical 12 gauge 2 3/4" loads in one blast.
If a tactical load 12 gauge @ 1100 fps. w/ 00 buck is sufficient to penetrate heavy clothing AND reach deep enough, how is a 000 buck pellet out of a 410 at the same speeds going to be any different.Don't forget that not all pellets may score threat ending hits. Especially should the threat be heavily clothed.
At typical household distances both the 410 and the 12 gauge loads are going to be tight. 5 pellets of 000 buck delivering around 900-1000 ft. lb.s of energy and 5 chances of hitting something important every time you discharge a load out of your gun makes the grossly underestimated 410 something far better than waiting for the 911 troops to arrive.
Is it "the best" choice? That is for the individual to decide. I have many choices, but I wouldn't feel under gunned or naked facing an intruder with my O/U 410.