[NanoKakadze]

However, the Dharma also teaches action is intention.

For example, if during a war, we provide refuge for certain children and soldiers come to kill those children and ask us: "Are the children with you?" and we answer: "No", this is not unwholesome speech

Good example. If in this instance its a choice between saving life or telling the truth, then naturally we wouldn't tell the truth.

... Such as telling a woman she looks pretty if she asks you (even if she may be fat or ugly). Lieing to spare someone's feelings is acceptable in my opinion anyway.

Personally I don't think this is an acceptable reason to lie. If for some reason I asked someone how I looked...say before going to a professional meeting ...I'd want to know the truth so that I could make modifications if necessary !