What a great discussion! Some trends that I'm seeing in the responses are:
1) recoil
2) safety activation/deactivation
3) maintenance
I'm a pretty good shooter and am competent with both a Glock and a 1911/2011. The first handgun I ever purchased while I was in college (be gentle) was a Taurus PT945 that was 1911-like, kinda, sorta. I didn't know anything about pistols at the time and it wasn't a conscious decision to get something like a 1911, but I wanted something that shot .45 (don't ask why, I don't know) and the price was right for a college student. It was two tone and had a compensator built in. It was interesting when I went for my concealed carry permit because I used a shoulder holster rather than a hip holster, so to draw the pistol, I had to sweep my left arm, basically. They put me on the far left side so that I wouldn't sweep people. They allowed it and I qualified, but it's funny to think back on now.
I traded that in for a Glock 21 and was underwhelmed with the Glock. It was completely utilitarian, but uninspiring. I tolerated it until I noticed the recoil spring guide rod flange broke. I traded it in after replacing the guide rod assembly for a Steyr-Mannlicher M40 because I wanted more capacity and I liked the trapezoidal sights. I never shot well with that pistol and set it aside. While in the Coast Guard, I was exposed to the Beretta M9 and I shot it well (qualified "Expert" in boot camp), but didn't particularly like it either. Then I bought a Kimber Custom Target II stainless and was in love.
Now I have 2 "plastic fantastic" handguns (Glock 17 to duplicate what I have at work and SA XDs in .45 for concealed carry) and 5 1911/2011 variants (2-.45 ACP and 3-9mm). I also have 2 Ruger 22/45s that are close to the 1911 in grip angle and controls for fun and cheap training. I shoot 3-gun using a 2011 and will be shooting IDPA with a Dan Wesson 1911 commander in 9mm. For work and qualification I never try to remove the safety as if it's a 1911 when shooting the Glock and in competition I'm smooth and fluid with the safety when using the 2011. I don't get them mixed up and am skillful with both. I have to admit I've never been on a two way range and never been under fire, so I don't know how I would react, but I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have a problem with either sidearm.
From the beginner's point of view, you don't know what you don't know. If someone begins with a 1911 style pistol, they will begin with using the safety. If they are smart like we want every beginner to be, they will seek training with whatever gun they choose. If they begin with a 1911 style pistol, they will train with that gun and, hopefully, practice with the safety so that it becomes part of their routine. Hopefully they will learn the trigger and have an appropriate trigger pull weight for self-defense. If someone is a beginner using a 1911 with a 2 pound pull weight, I would think that is a rarity and also stupid.
So, if someone trains as we all recommend a beginner to do, the safety activation/deactivation should become part of the draw stroke.
Recoil can be mitigated by choosing a 9mm rather than a .45, easy. There are PLENTY of reliable options out there for 9mm 1911s. Yes, there are also many unreliable options out there.
Maintenance...if your life is depending on that tool, you'd better check it and maintain it no matter what style it is. I've only replaced 2 recoil springs on 1911/2011s (guess I haven't shot enough). No other fixes have been necessary for excellent reliability...including my accursed Kimber.
I'm still not convinced, but it's a great discussion.