Well, I wouldn't say "sterner". I do prefer the 30 as well, but I can shoot proficiently with my 27 (which is even snappier than the 36). I think that a lot of it has to do with hand size and finger width. My fingers are narrow, though my hands are somewhat large. This helps my hand fit the finger grooves of the Glock better.
The grip extender is your friend on the smaller glocks like the 36 and 27 BTW. The smallest finger does add stability and improves the second-shot capability by helping to bring you back to target faster. Lack of a good resting spot for the 'pinkie' might have dissuaded you from the 36. But that's OK - the 30 is a fine weapon and is my most accurate auto pistol (though it can't match my big revolvers).