I think, at its core, this is the same thing we have been debating in our dog club. I think *all* "pits" should be called Staffies. American Staffordshire (bull) Terrier. The folks in the club that have them are split ~2/3 in favor of Pit Bull - they say if that's what the public wants to call them... then they will stand up for their pit bulls!
The "pure bred" show dog is a Staffy - the mutt is a pit. But, all other mutts are called by the breed mix, so why do that to a Staffy or Staffy-mix?
It's politics.
I've never met a Staffy or Pit I didn't like - not the dog breed for me, but I love to pet someone else's.