I understand the negativity toward synthetic guns, I had it for many many years.
But, it is where we have gone, like it not.
I like to think "What would John Browning" have done with synthetics. He would have to have gone that route too. So, maybe it would help if we pictured Browning building one, and what it would have looked like and how it would have functioned.
There are some really nice designs out there, but alas, because they are synthetic they lack some credibility to us "older guys" who remember when. My example of this is the Sig P2340, P2009 and P2022, which really never have gotten the nod from the "Old Sig Guys" and unfortunately, they are passed over and are really fantastic guns. I think they are what Old John Browning would have built.... and the P250 is so much better than people make it out to be. My P250 is a keeper.
In my mind, the S&W M&P and the Ruger SR's have taken the next step beyond the Glock, and they really deserve a chance. Great point-ability in these pistols. Really underrated, but that is JMO.
If I had to choose one semi, I would go with one of my 2340's, but have no issues carrying most of my all-metal semi's. Although a 4 inch .357 is really my go to handgun.