The last pistol I bought (Gold Cup) came from the factory with an 8 round magazine. I have used Wilson 8 round mags for years in my racegun without any discernable problems, so when I stripped the GC to the frame and slide and built a carry piece for myself, I switched to all 8 rounders.
I have long since learned that it pays to rotate magazines frequently if they are kept loaded. Also, they need to be cleaned and re-lubed frequently.
As for the "Vets" downing the 1911, my carry weapon was a 1911A1. The Army never saw fit to qualify me with my carry piece. If I hadn't fired one extensively in civilian life and the Reserve, I would not be writing this. I have worked on thousands of them, and I am painfully aware that the shooter is the weak link in the chain. As a handgun Instructor, I have tried to remedy the problem of unfamiliarity. I trained my 10 year old niece to fire a .45 well enough to qualify and subsequently, every member of my family and hundreds of Security, Police and Private Officers. Anybody can master the 1911, but a one day familiarization on the 15 and 25 yard range won't instill confidence in a G.I. He will fall back on his rifle every time he can. But, don't compare him with Civilians in this respect. We can't get away with packing a rifle day in and day out.
I found it enlightening that when the local troops were moved to areas of serious combat, many of them abandoned their Berettas and re-equipped with 1911's.