ImVho, small handguns are so much more difficult to shoot well & generally such POOR STOPPERS that I have returned to a FULL-SIZE Model 1911 for EDC & am about to buy a FULL-SIZE S&W semi-auto in .40 S&W caliber, too.
IF that “VERY BAD DAY” arrives, when you must defend your loved ones/yourself with DEADLY FORCE, it is well to have a firearm that will DISABLE the PREDATOR quickly.
A heavy-duty gunbelt & a quality OWB holster is the solution to carrying a FULL-SIZE handgun easily.
(NO “mouse guns” for me. Make mine a .40 S&W or a .45 ACP & in a handgun that is the size/weight of a Colt’s COMBAT COMMANDER or larger platform.)
Just my OPINION, ex-cadet
USAMPR, Retired
My holster-drilling instructor carries two guns, an OWB Glock 22 and an ankle-holstered Beretta PX4 Storm Compact.
Obviously not concealed carry.
I think what you say is very much the truth of the matter; you want as much firepower as you can handle/conceal. You would rather have extra and not need it than the reverse.