To me, the reliability is unquestioned. Pit a lightweight frame (aluminum, or polymer) against an all-steel design and my personal experience is the steel wins every time.
As for cartridge... I can only harken back to the days of early US pistol experience, for instance in the Philippines, where they wanted a heavier bullet for knock back.
I honestly absolutely love Berettas and think they're great. But the ones I have readily available in my home for immediate action are 1911s.
Honestly, I have zero problem with Berettas either. My Model 85 has never given me any problems, nor has my 92.
I also have a SA 1911A1, which I absolutely love - it was THE very first handgun I ever learned to shoot (and a Garand was the first rifle I learned how to shoot).
That being said, I carry a G19 Glock every day. It’s just lightweight, rock-solid reliable, and easy to keep concealed (when I’m inclined to conceal it).
Also have a Glock 21 in .45ACP.
They’re just damned fine handguns all around.
I agree that the .45 is the answer, but what about weight? We got women now, and the wrists of some of the men aren’t as rigid as they ought to be (limper).
The .45 tends to be a heavy gun. Can you get the weight down and not sacrifice accuracy/stability?