I left the pre war out of the mix because I feel as you do as to their quality of smoothness and handling which nothing else duplicates. I had a 1908 for a while that had a Lyman #36 receiver sight and can testify about it's smooth operation and wonderful handling characteristics. I have wondered if, without a scope, would the newer ones handle as well? I haven't tried taking the scopes off because their high stock combs make aiming impossible for me.
I suppose I'm just pining for a pre war model and have my eye on a 1905. The only fly in the ointment is finding everything needed to load some ammo for it. If I acquire it, I will not be a dummy and sell it like I did the 1908!