Well, as the OP, I think it's been conclusively proven that contrary to internet "wisdom" you CAN get a quality, reliable US-made 1911 not just for under $2000, but for under $800!
I have a Kimber Custom II that I shoot comp, and it has run perfectly since day one. Don't believe everything you read on the 'net.
I think it's awesome that your Kimber runs well. I had that exact same model, purchased in 2005, and while it was the most accurate gun I've ever owned and I LOVED the trigger, as I have said several times, I could NEVER get it to be reliable with anything BUT 230 gr. FMJ ammo. A gun needs to feed, fire, and eject SOME kind of reasonable JHP carry load for me to keep it in rotation. That's something my Custom II couldn't manage. I disclosed the problem and ended up selling it for a loss.
Our Military trusts and uses Italian pistols! Beretta
Our Law Enforcement trusts and uses Austrian pistols! Glock
Our FBI, DEA ATF and many others use Austrian and Swiss Pistols! Glock and Sig Sauer
For me it does take much to see who makes the best guns and it is not the USA!
As I stated earlier, at the end of the day I won't be limited to guns made in the USA. Some of the best handguns out there are made overseas. However,
1. Baretta: I have zero experience with this gun, but I have an Uncle who carried one in Desert Storm and 2 good friends who carried one in Iraq/Afghanistan. Needless to say, their feedback hasn't been all that positive. There were a lot of political factors dictating the adoption of the Beretta.
2. Glock: No argument there, my G17 has been amazing over 12,000 rounds.
3. Sig I have zero experience with them. You hear good things generally.
4. I think you're forgetting about Smith and Wesson and the M&P, they've made SERIOUS strides in the last 5 years.