Had a 9c, no issues with it after 1600 rnds and I was accurate enough with it but it was just avg for me as far as comfort, grip, and enjoyment. The full size mag helped but then I just picked up a full size 9. I have been more accurate with the full size over the compact. Could be due to the longer sight and barrel, better balance when loaded with 17 rounds, even the longer beaver tail seems to help me with hold and follow up. Also have a new Shield PC9 which i also prefer over the compact. For me the compact is a good gun and can do a little of everything. But just not good enough for what I wanted. So the compact found another home.
As for using up ammo, i dont consider any range time wasted as i normally take both 9s as well as at least one of my .22s. As any time spent there is good for practice, training, and enjoyment. In fact i like to run multiple mags worth minimum in each gun taken.
All the above is courtesy of my humble opinion only.