I think the problem people have is they see the Judge as a compromise. However, all handguns are a compromise. The difference is that I think of a standard pistol, like say a 1911, a Glock, or a wheelgun as a substitute for a rifle. The Judge is a substitute for a shotgun. It's not a hybrid between a handgun and a shotgun anymore than a S&W 627 is a hybrid between a Glock and a Remington 700.
The Judge fanatics will say that the Judge is perfect for anything, and I'd say they're wrong. It definitely has its downsides.
The Judge naysayers will say that because the judge is a compromise, it's not worth it.
I'm in the middle of the road. The Judge is a tool, much like any other gun. At short range, it will accurately put 3-5 holes in the target (depending on which load of 000 you use) for high recoil. So, you have lots of holes, slightly less accurate shot placement (but honestly, how many of you will hit on a dime exactly where the most vulnerable part of an assailant is in an SD situation? a few inches left or right probably won't make a difference), and a bit more kick. It's a tradeoff, yes, but it does have some advantages.
In a place like a car or a small condo, the Judge would be my first choice for a handgun. In a place like on the street or in a larger building, yeah I'd want something that has a bit more accuracy.