It is impossible (and a fallacy, I think) to judge A as lesser than B when it is impossible to definitively state the consequences of B. You have zero idea of what B would have looked like or felt like, only an estimation. You're comparing a known truth (how your non-violence makes you feel) to an estimation of the truth.

In simpler terms you have no way of knowing if listening to the impulse to fight back would have led to legal charges, serious injuries or death - for you or your opponent.