I have many different models of firearms with ported and non-ported examples. I (and others) have shot many of them side by side for comparison. I have also chronographed many like models over the years.
Here are some of the ported versions, I won't bother showing their non-ported brothers.
Ported handguns do not reduce actual recoil at all. They are not supposed to reduce recoil. The purpose of the ports is to reduce muzzle climb so that you can get back on target faster.
True muzzle brakes are a totally different animal and are designed to reduce recoil, not muzzle climb. Muzzle brakes direct propellant gasses rearward while ports and comps direct propellant gasses upwards
The effectiveness of the port or comp on handguns in reducing muzzle climb is dependent on both the port/comp design and the actual load being fired. What Smith and Wesson calls the Power Port is better at providing a reduction of muzzle climb than the Mag-Na-Port style when we are talking about low velocity cartridges like 45ACP. The amount of propellant gas volume is what is important
As to the issue of debris, that is dependent on the construction of the projectile being fired. Ammunition like the Sinterfire that use projectiles of compressed copper dust throw lots of true debris out the ports of the firearm. On the other end of the spectrum are projectiles that are truly jacketed, these throw almost zero debris out the ports.
What most folks express as debris is actually powder as it is just finishing burning (just like the blow-back from suppressed handguns).
So this brings powder selection and barrel length into the equation. A 2 1/2" Mag-Na-Ported Model 66 firing heavy loads of H110 does get this feeling of "debris" however they also get a significant reduction in muzzle climb.
Are the benefits worth the drawbacks? That depends on the shooter's perception of how it all works and the intended role of the firearm in question.
Obviously I think ports and comps are beneficial since I used to put tens of thousands of rounds downrange through them in my younger days. These days I do not get to the range as much as I would like to .