Remember also that there is a skewed representation of problems with guns on Internet forums.
Those who shoot and have no problems do not generally run to specific gun forums for advice.
A significant percentage of people who come to a forum are inexperienced and have user-caused problems. So, while you will hear truthfully about some real problems with a particular gun, the actual incidence of occurrence in all the guns in the market is substantially lower than what it appears in a forum that at least in part is meant to help people with problems.
I note problems and am ready to overcome them if they occur. I find the fixes or the company's customer service are the key take-aways from problem discussion on forums. S&W CS is generally pretty good.
I echo others' advice: try before you buy, and make a concerted effort to learn to shoot any compact pistol, including your G43, well.
Being primarily close range guns, your grip, pointing technique and trigger control will account for 90% of your accuracy. Inside 10 yards, it is hard to argue (once you have mastered good techniques) that one good gun or special zapper ammo is any better than another for fast, close, personal defense.
If you actually, really shoot one better than another, then for some reason that gun has some minor characteristics that fit you better than some others, e.g., a better trigger.
However, good practice and plenty of it would overcome such small deficiencies with a gun as good as the G43 or the Shield.