i'll have to check out those links as well.
As for the Ovcharka, well they are not a common breed, no. And yes, sadly they are a common "dog-fighter" it is horribly sad to see such abuse on such wonderful dogs. Both the Caucasian and Alabai (aka Central Asain Ovcharka) make absolutely fabulous family dogs for the right owners.
I personally owned a mix of the Caucasian and Central Asain, named Kyle. He was wonderful! adored children of all ages, got on well with other dogs, loved people. Sweetest pup you can imagine, but he would also protect you no matter what.
These dogs are from Georgia(not USA)/Armenia, and in LA where i had lived for a year was a predominantly Armenian community, and finding one wasn't all that hard.
I will have to put out there though that this is NOT a breed for everyone at all. and definitely not for a weak/non-dominant pack leader, or an inexperienced dog owner. Its in the hands of those owners that these dogs can get a very bad name. Their size alone makes them kinda dangerous. At only 10 months old my pup was already 100 lbs, and he was very small. (he had a very serious health issue as well that kept him from gaining weight)
I have not seen those forums that you spoke of, but i have seen so many about all the negative aspects of these breeds and about fighting. this is not the side i look at, same with the Pitties. its all in how they are raised.
no-one sees this side of them (picture CR. Inga, a facebook friend) :
and my own boy Gail (kyle) at 5 months, with my B boy