I understand folks have different experiences and different results from identical firearms. FYI:
1. My 709 has been perfect and flawless since I had it serviced after purchasing it from a fellow INGOer. Over 700 rounds through it. Accurate and reliable. Your results may vary, but mine has been flawless. Taurus has had some production and performance problems. I have a Gen 1 709. This model has not experienced the troubles of the Gen 2.
2. My new Colt Mustang, with all metal frame, has also performed flawlessly. The six-round mag does not have a pinky extension, and I have not needed one. Since it fires the .380ACP I can manage it just fine without the extension. As I said above, I can cover my groups with my open hand at 10 yards. I have examined the Glock 42, and prefer the Colt. The lack of the external safety is a key reason why I sold off my Glocks.
3. I saw the FNS you purchased when it was offered in the classifieds here. It is a good weapon. Mine is identical, except I think (?) yours was two-toned while mine is all black. It is comparable to the Glock 19. It is my preferred EDC at present. When I find something that works, I stay with it. I do not keep searching for something better—which is a never-ending search as there is always something new and improved to attract the unstable mind.
These pieces cover every situation I experience. I recommend these firearms based on my personal experience. Again, YMMV.
1. I did have the two-tone (Bronze) and it was traded off, but I still have the FNS Longslide, and will be testing it AGAIN at the range today against my Omega, Glock 26 and Ruger P89 (the last one just for fun), but the FNS and Omega are fighting for their placement is my safe or someone else's.
2. Totally agree about the safety: I want one, and it is a concern to me for the guns that don't have one, or even a decocker, especially when they don't have a long 1st double action pull (like my Smith Bodyguard .380) as an example.