A couple points that weren’t specifically addressed that might be relevant...
The 1026 (and 1076) are the two with the Sig-style frame mounted spring-loaded decock lever. This only exists because the FBI demanded it in the contract. S&W’s version of what Sig perfected fell short. S&W only did this for a short while on a precious few pistols. Compared to the Sig design, S&W’s version is cheaper and feels so. (and I’m nutbar, dedicated, crazy S&W pistol guy) Furthermore, S&W had to recall many of the pistols with the frame mount decocker and I think the recall may even still be honored.
Next item that makes the 1026 and 1076 a “lesser” choice, IMO of course, is that the OEM grip is specific to only the single stack frame mount decock models. That means OEM replacement grip can be scarce and I don’t believe any aftermarket grip exists.
This can be a MAJOR deal breaker. We can’t forget that the grip on a S&W 3rd Gen is more than just panels on the frame — the grip retails the mainspring (hammer spring) and if it gets damaged, pistol no go BANG.
Another angle that seems to rarely get mentioned is that, at least in my experience, that big gangly decocker lever mounted on the slide makes a phenomenal gripping surface for yanking the large, heavy slide back. When you go to either the frame mount model or the DAO model, the levers are gone from the slide and I’ve found the slide to be noticeably less “grabbable.” This can obviously be addressed with practice and training, but it was day one first shots experience that I noticed when I took my 3953 on it’s first range trip.
If we are asking me 1006 or 1026, it’s 1006 for sure and not close. And they made literally EIGHT times as many 1006 units as they did the scarce 1026 model. Prices are obviously across the board, especially in this market, but generally speaking, a 1006 should be MUCH easier to find and lower priced than a 1026.