I'm done with guns that won't fit my pinky. The 43x doesn't add enough grip length to really attract concealment. It's easier to shoot, and significantly increases the magazine capacity.
I've been carrying, and competing, with red dots for years. There's definitely a learning curve. Your presentation has to be consistent. The dot isn't forgiving of a janky draw. Focus on the target and superimpose the dot.
I've always stressed the importance of capacity. Even before the current social upheaval, crimes like home invasions tended to have more than one attacker. I recommend something glock 19 sized, with at least one spare mag.
Where I shoot, it's ammo availability. I know I can scrounge up enough ammo for a match, but practice ammo is almost non existent. Although, it's funny how much more everyone scrounges for their show clear round that falls on the ground.