I absolutely love my SA Mil-Spec. To me the extras it has over the GI were well worth it. The sights most of all. And what it doesn't have that the loaded models do was also worth it. I did not want front cocking serrations, I did not want the commander style hammer, I did not want the ambi safety, I did not want the beavertail grip safety, I did not want the full length guide rod etc.
Mine has been very accurate and every bit as reliable as my XD, and will feed every hollow point I've found, LSWCs, etc. I did have a few FTFs with the magazines that came with it, but have yet to have a single failure of any kind since I started using Wilson Combat mags. (Other than a few rounds I loaded a bit too long--but that's my fault not the gun's)
Mine is stainless and I got it for $599, but that was a little over 2 years ago.
It is my primary carry weapon. I carry it both IWB and OWB with no issues. personally I avoid any 1911s under 5" and tend to dislike most things JMB didn't put on the pistol to start with. I respect the utility of some of them, particularly the beavertail safety, but I still don't like them. But that's just personal preference.