I think the reason the 1911 has such wide appeal is because it was the first handgun to have its "modularity" exploited with replacement grips, beavertails, mainspring housings, etc.
While most guns could have minimal changes made to the size and shape of the grip, the 1911 could be easily customized in a number of ways, and only in the last few years have plastic-framed guns jumped on the bandwagon, mostly via interchangeable backstraps.
A "1911" with slim grips, flat mainspring housing and short trigger might be the perfect fit for one person, but that wouldn't make me as happy as G.I. grips, arched housing, and long trigger.
The Walther CCP feels good, and I remember a H&K USP Compact felt really good, when I handled it fifteen years ago, but neither gun can be altered much, so someone else might not like either one.
The Browning HP is good, but I prefer a long, oval shape, like the 1911 to the HPs more square frame.
One gun that is always lauded for its "natural pointing" is the Luger, but I find it very strange.