I didn't vote; both are well-liked guns at a good price. The shooter should choose. I own the Bersa and like it very much. One failure to feed in about 500 rounds fired. I do wish spare Bersa magazines were a little cheaper/easier to find.
Just two thoughts:
1. (--EDIT: Sorry, your post specified clearly that the Mak is also chambered in .380, so ammo pricing isn't a factor. My apologies.)
2. As a gun for a potentially recoil sensitive shooter, you both really might want to look at the CZ-83. I was ogling one of those in the gun store just this week -- man, that's a nice little piece. Manual safety, comfortable grip, compact but not teensy. Plus, it's a CZ! My favorite semi-auto pistol maker. I need a high-cap .380 like I need a hole in my shirt, but I am still plotting to pick up a CZ-83.