I like the Dick Special a lot, but to me it's just a tad bigger than a J frame. The J frames are noticably handier though.
The newer J frames are really, really nice, with all the new machinery the Brits bought when they owned S&W. The computer controlled and new stuff really tightened up the tolerances a lot. I've shot two 640-1's that had great triggers OOTB, and the accuracy is much better than I ever thought I'd be able to do with such a small revolver.
The D.S.'s are really handy little six shooters, and I think have better sights, grip, and triggers than the older J frames. I picked up a used one from the '80's and plan to keep it.
Of course, the older J frames are classics, and have worked very well for a lot of folks for a long time.