Thank God there were men like John Moses Browning who refused to accept the status quo just because there was nothing wrong with it. Men like him are never satisfied with something just because it works, even if it works quite well. They always try to improve it, not always with success. I'm glad we aren't still shooting flintlocks and Walker Colts!
There isn't a thing wrong with a full length guide rod, beavertail grip safety or shock buff. If John Browning was alive today he would probably have invented them himself. The "Government Model 1911-A1" wasn't JMB's first try at the 1911. The one that passed all those tests many years ago wasn't built on an assembly line either, it was hand fit!
If your slide won't rack release with the thick buff, use the thin one! How simple is that?
Mikey