Realistically though... How many "innocent" people tend to get arrested or hauled in for questioning? I can't imagine many people going about their normal business find themselves having to choose between accepting a caution or going to court. Under what circumstances, for example?
My DH is a doorman. There was an incident with three young(ish) lads. (Lads kicked off inside, assaulted a couple of barstaff, they were removed, they took offence at being removed and continued to attempt to scrap, when they realised they were getting nowhere, damaged two cars, then went on their way, fighting amongst themselves. Incident was written up, no more thought about it. It's fairly common.
Few weeks later my DH and his colleagues were asked to come in for questioning about the incident. It was stressed that they wouldn't be arrested. Upon turning up, they were, and we're offered a caution (which DH respectfully declined). He was told to take the caution "nobody wants this to go to court, you'll end up doing six months for ABH, you'll end up with a fine AND having to pay court costs, you'll lose your badge". He still refused, gave his account of the incident and was released on bail.
It went to court. There was CCTV produced, by the CPS on the day "but I don't think we need to view this your honour as there is nothing pertinent on it" In the next sentence he (CPS brief) admitted he'd never actually watched the CCTV. DHs solicitor insisted. The CCTV showed the incident inside, the subsequent removal and the damage of the cars. The "victim" said in front of the judge when questioned as to why he'd hit two barmen, then fought with the doorstaff, then spat in DHs face "well they're bouncers, that's what they're there for!" Judge told him that he was lucky he ("victim") wasn't being charged with assault and criminal damage. Judge dropped the case and said it was a massive waste of his and DH/colleague/CPS time.
Had DH accepted the caution, he would have lost his badge, both jobs (which require the badge) would have been unable to get another job in the industry which he has some 20 years working in. He would have had a criminal record which he would have had to declare on each job application.
I was 38 weeks pregnant at the time of his arrest and it was fucking horrific. I am a nice, middle class, 30 year old woman. I was terrified of their picture being circulated on the local newspaper "bully bouncers arrested for GBH" etc. Prior to this, I wouldn't have known that accepting a caution was an admittance of guilt. I though the police were there to help, serve and protect, if you will. We experienced the opposite. I was (and still am, shocked about it).