Michael,
I agree with all you are saying, one question, if this is true and I think again you are correct:
Quote:
The 1903 guard is rather wide, a little work on it makes it look better IMO.

Why do it on the front and not the back where you would think you want a more comfortable fit of the finger to the trigger. Anyway it looks more flowing to shape the rear and leave the front wider, IMO.