Is there a significant difference in handling and deployment competency between the moderate capacity-micro compact autos and their predecessor service- and service-compact autos?
This is kind of a no brainer. Micros are nice for space saving, but they are harder to manipulate quickly. I think a lot of it is the typical smaller grip length, which is why we’re seeing more 15 and 17 rd micros.
Unless I'm mistaken, compact, 9mm S&W M&P's all have 4" barrels. My preferred ammo is 147 grainers. With this weight bullet I want as much velocity as possible. My Echelon is 4-1/2" and I'm probably going to get a threaded barrel to get more velocity. The threaded barrel is 5.28" To me every little bit helps.
My big old meathooks are not happy with anything smaller than a Commander/P228/P320 large grip module. I have smaller, just not my "go to" size, but people come in a variety of sizes. One of my criteria for a carry gun is that it has to fit the shooter's hand.
The question is, is there a difference? You bet there is. And, depending upon model/manufacturer, the difference can be quite vast. All have their place in queue.