I wouldn't rely solely on any internet info for your decision.
I don't know if I would rely on the internet for a decision, but I will say that it greatly affected mine. When I got my CCDW, i started looking for a EDC. I wanted 9mm for various reasons, and I wanted single stack (effectively taking glock out of the picture, but I did look strongly at the G26). I ended up with the shield specifically because of what I had read on the internet. I could not find a better gun for even close to the price.
I do tend to take people talking bad about something with a grain of salt. People talking good about something is completely different, in my opinion.
I did hold the Shield first (but couldn't shoot it). I also held several other guns. Most felt pretty similar (unless you get to the 1911 grip angle which I don't like) and the trigger on the Shield pretty much beat the rest out.
I love my Shield and my friend who owns several Glocks is almost converted as well.
Long story short, I do a lot of research before a major purchase, most of it on the internet.