for IDPA they would be fine for a life or death scenario I would prefer to now have one more thing that could cause a problem. It really depends on what the intended use is. I mean I would love to own a 1911, but doubtful I would carry one
I've been shooting 1911s for about 20 years. I've got tens of thousands of rounds through them -- informal shooting on the range, IDPA matches, USPSA matches, training classes, etc.
1911s certainly do have faults and I can understand someone not wanting to carry one for several reasons, including size, capacity, manual safety, propensity for feed failures. But because of the grip safety? That I don't understand. I've never had a problem with one, and unless you've got a Swartz-style gun, I don't think they are prone to wear or failure.