I own Glocks (2) & S&W M&P's (3) and XDm's (2).
I like them all
But I do not believe that Glock have kept pace with the marketplace.
Here's what I mean:
Plastic sights vs metal sights
Grip angle
decent backstrap system
decent slide serrations/grippiness.
Full ambi.
Removable backstraps. (not til Gen 4)
Grip angle. (oh I said that )
Texturing that doesn't rip skin off
Stainless steel slide
Grip Safety
Loaded chamber indicator or hole
Cocked striker indicator
stainless steel sub-chassis
beefed up spring box (what Glock calls a guide ring)
robust MIM extractor
frame rails incorporated into the steel sear housing & locking blocks
frame's "beaver-tail"
revolver-like trigger shape
second spring in the striker assembly (striker return spring, like is used in the 99 series)
the stainless steel guide rod
replaceable grip inserts that allow adjustment of both the backstrap and the palm swell dimension
Now I wouldn't want all of those - but some are very nice indeed.
Glock USA told Glock Austria YEARS ago (when the P99 came out, and the P2000) this should be upgraded on the Glocks as soon as they could.
Glock Austria, as most German/Austrians do, insisted they knew better, i.e you'll take what we make as it is perfect.
They lost enough $$$$ over the M&P and XDm & other polymer guns which had these features suddenly the Glock Perfection became Glock Perfection version 4.0.
Glock Perfection version 4.0 solved very few of the problems.
I owned a Glock, have for a dozen years.
Doesn't mean the company always knows what it's doing.
IMHO M&P and XDm surpassed them because it gave customers what they wanted in a reliable package without costing $700.
Just my opinion.
