I'm no scientist, but I've read a lot about MIM, Forged parts, etc., and it seems like there is just a whole lot of misinformation running around about metallurgy on this internet (Like probably 100% of all topics discussed, right?)
Bottom line to me is that other than tradition, there's just no reason to think forged is "better." A nice case-hardened trigger or hammer is prettier than MIM, but the MIM will have a more consistent, uniform finish right out of the mold with little to no hand finishing required.
Since my guns aren't sitting around in picture frames, I don't care about pretty triggers. As long as it's got the S&W monogram, I'm happy. Thanks for reading!