I have the non-pro PT111 9mm and 45ACP PT145. I think they are good guns for the price and pretty small & light for 10+1 capacity (12+1 for the 9mm Pro now)
I think the DAO trigger is pretty good as far as these things go, but the one on my PT145 is noticibley better than what's on my PT111 so it seems they do vary.
In terms of size-weight-capacity-price your only other real choices are a Kel-Tec P11 (cheapest of the lot & its main virtue IMHO) or Beretta 9000S (if you can stand the width, but on the plus side it'll do cocked and locked) or CZ RAMI if you can take a some extra weight and about $100 more price.
If DAO is a requirement then PT111 and P11 are your choices, or the DAO version of the Beretta 9000. I think the trigger on my PT111 is better than the DA pull on my 9000S, but the 9000S cocked and locked is much better.
I've not shot mine a tremendous amount but have had zero problems. Handled Wolf ball, Silver Bear 145gr JHP and Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP without issues.
--wally.