And those reasons you mention are some of why I want one in .32 as opposed to 9x18. And let me be clear (LOL), I am a fan of the MAK round. I have several East German Makarovs and think highly of the round. I also have several .32s and thought a 15 round gun, with slightly better penetration, might be nice to have.
A question, are the ones like your wife's available blued or only the satin (satan?) nickel?