I can get a lot more practice for my buck with 9mm than just about anything other than .22LR. 9mm is also a good caliber to share with Mrs. Chandler and the female offspring. And, Best Reason Of All, I might get a very good deal on it. The last time this particular relative sold me a gun, (before it was lost in the unfortunate boating accident), it was a Taurus Ultralite 85 snubnose .38, hardly ever fired, for $125.00.
To each their own. In any caliber I believe the XD is a fine choice.