There are various reasons a double stack 1911 is attractive to certain individuals. For one, I find it easier to control a larger grip with arthritic hands, and the Para P-14, Springfield double stack and BUL Transmark are sometimes more comfortable to shoot than the traditional single stack. I have never tried the RIA *shrug*. The CZ 97b and the HK USP also have double stack width grips.
I have never had issues with magazines, although I have weeded out the ones that have weak springs (the most common defect) and ones that have had competition extension added to them. There certainly are bad magazines out there, but once you find the good ones, shooting a double stack .45 acp is no different from a double stack 9mm.
It's always a good idea to do the research before you spend the money. There are mag sources that won't gouge you if you ever get the double stack 1911.