I never understood the Kimber hate either. I bought a series 1 back in 1997. Never a problem with it until some parts (hammer, sear) started wearing at about the 25k mark. I didn't consider that a problem, all of them will wear if you shoot them enough. All springs get replaced at 7k.
I ain't no amateur. I can promise you that.
So I had the junker Kimber rebuilt with Wilson and Ed Brown parts. The only original parts are the slide, frame, barrel, and grip safety. About 25K later, needed a new hammer and sear. Go figure. Seems to be a pattern.
The gun is now coming up on 125k and still going strong. Going to have all the parts replaced this time, everything except slide and frame, and retire the old girl.
And, I ain't no amateur.
During all the above, I've had several 1911's come and go. An RIA, Springfield, Dan Wesson, a few older 40's Colts. None were as reliable nor as accurate as my old junker Kimber.
Now I'm not saying Kimber is "better", every manufacturer has a lemon slip out the door. And every now and then the tolerances just work out just right and you get the occasional jewel that stands out among its brethren.
Kimber made and sold a bunch of guns, a bunch. I remember reading glowing reviews from the top gun critics of the times. There was a time when Kimber was considered by many to be a darn good gun and came highly reccommended by very knowledgeable people. Are there better brands out there now? Yes.
I'm retiring my old Kimber, I guess even an old amateur like me can learn that almost 125k rounds of pretty much trouble free shooting doesn't raise this pistol above it's "junk" status. I'm soon to be on the waitlist for a Les Baer premier II. That one should last me the rest of my life. Well, once I spend a goodly percentage of its cost breaking it in.
Yes, I like the Kimber I have. And I ain't no amateur.
Edit to add. I had a Kimber stainless II that was an absolute piece of worthless crap, and Solo that should have never made it out the door. Both were beyond redemption.