Hmmm, tell me again who designed the Hipower?Liberty wrote:a 1911 is a .45 Cal 9mm isn't even an American caliber. JMB wouldn't dream of using a European Caliber.
As for the original questions, my opinions are a little less strict. As with many other "cults", there are always variations in the liturgical interpretations.
I think of 1911 to include a lot of variations. Some are not exactly like the original or the A1, but they are generally there. I will recognize the Para-ordnance LDA the older Cotl double action as variants of the 1911 and include them in the group unless we are getting technical.
On the shootability, I think the size of the grips, the single action trigger, and the grip angle all contribute. The height of the barrel over the hand probably also should be taken into account. I have never tried to figure that part out and Keith may be correct about it being other parts also and the overall design. I just know it works, and works well.