I originally wrote a long post concerning the superiority of one pistol over another, but than I realized I was falling into that whole hardware discussion, when the software is what's really important.
When the software is programmed correctly, so to speak, the hardware issues solve themselves.
For the most part you are right. I believe that there are firearms of ALL makes and models that work like a government desk jockey at the DMV on a holiday weekend, and it mostly comes down to...
1. Quality control and manufacturing process
2. Quality of mags and ammo used
3. Quality of end user.
As I stated before, I like the 1911. I also like my Glock. Only reason I switched from one to the other is the price of .45 compared to 9mm and the fact that I've had/seen more problems with 1911 mags as opposed to Glock style mags.
1km - While I am genuinely interested in the study I have to agree with Mountain. If the study is based off of hardware malfunction alone I would like to see if there have been any changes. Otherwise it comes down to the end user and their quality/level of training with THAT firearm. And don't forget that most infamous of individuals on youtube who demonstrated the EASE of performing a ND with 1911