I don't think I'd be too concerned about the safety of that level of load any more than any other in a Glock, though I do see the .40 as a better choice in longer barrelled service weapons where it can develop every bit of power and velocity possible. Flash at night from the shorter barrels also becomes an interesting consideration. The 135-grain loadings, from Cor-Bon, Federal, Pro-Load and others might be a reasonable alternative [sort of reminiscent of the usually effective 125-grain .357 Magnum JHP loadings] in a .40 shorty, though again, some personal user testing at night should take place lest any surprises pop up. My experience with the cartridge has mostly been with a Glock 22 and a Daewoo DP-40 and a couple of developmental pieces, and from comments from Memphis PD officers using the .40 in their S&W autoloaders, who look longingly at the .45 Glocks issued by another nearby department. I'd guess I've got maybe 35,000 rounds of .40 sent downrange, about a third of that at 600 rpm or so.
Happily, when my boss suggested that our personnel upgrade to .40s, I asked him if a .400 Cor-Bon in my 1911 was okay, and he cheerily said sure- I could carry whatever I liked, but the practice ammo provided would be .40 S&W...or, I could continue using my Browning GP if I wished, so long as I bring my own ammo and keep my scores up, no problem since they're usually in the top 5 of 40 shooters or so.
So the .40 and concerns thereof aren't in my immediate future, though my old Glock went to an Arkansas deputy sheriff whose department switched from the 9mm, and he's a good pal, so I remain interested in it and how it serves him. But they're sure going to be around for a while, and seem to be an acceptable compromise for some happy users, to include yourself. FTI agrees with your thoughts about the 165-grain Gold Dot, though, so your experienced and informed opinion is certainly supported by others.
-archy-/-