I hear what you're saying alright and it's a tough question for sure. I still think though that on balance it's better than a child being in an abusive environment. I would agree however with preference being given to bi-sex relationships when it comes to adoption.
Here's one for ya which might change your mind on the playground side of things. My best mate growing up was a teachers son, not only that but his mum taught in his school and would regularly pop into the classroom to humiliate him. "Ah sure just give him a wallop if he steps out of line" sort of thing. Thing is though, this guy was, still is and always will be a legend. Toughest fucker I've ever met (mentally I mean), takes no shit from anyone and has a knack of just getting along with people, the sort of guy that everyone just likes. These are the skills he evolved to deal with getting a slagging in school and he'll tell ya himself, having it was the best thing that ever happened to him...