Just my personnel preferences...
I have a 3" 357 Magnum Model 60 j-frame. I shoot my moderate 357 Magnum loads in it (158 gran SWC, 900-950 fps from a 4" 357 Magnum revolver) and they are reasonably comfortable to shoot. But the Model 60 is all steel, not a light weight frame.
I have a couple Airweight J-frames chambered in 38 Special. I really do not care to shoot +P ammunition in them. Standard 38 Special is more my speed with these light weight revolvers.
So, I would not shoot full power 357 Magnum rounds in a light weight revolver. It would be just too uncomfortable.
On the other hand, the old, true 38 Special J-frames are a bit more compact than the later J-frames with a frame window large enough to handle a 357 Magnum cylinder. Maybe I'm splitting hairs, but if I'm going to shoot 38 Special ammunition, why not get the most compact version.
Finally, I also have a Model 317 (22 RF). The weight is obscenely light. No way I would want to shoot even 38 Special in an Air Lite frame J-frame.