There was a post years ago, I think somewhere on this forum, where a S&W engineer described the MIM process and S&W's development of parts using the process. IIRC, they refined the design and manufacturing process until Jerry Miculek couldn't tell the difference between a gun that used the old forged/fitted parts and one that had MIM parts. To me, that would be equivalent to "working as well as possible."

I've also read (elsewhere) that MIM parts have been used for years in the automotive industry, including for things like connecting rods and rocker arms inside motors. I don't read much about modern car engines dying because MIM parts are failing. And Ruger supposedly has been making MIM revolver frames for decades - don't hear about them breaking very often, either.

Now, do I like the idea of parts hand fitted by an expert? Sure, but not at what it would cost in today's industrial climate, especially given available alternatives that produce more consistent parts cheaper.