It's interesting that I don't find my gen 1 LCP at all objectionable
I picked up an lcp custom on the used market (the one with rechargeable sites and a red trigger). So far I haven't been able to make it choke, it feeds anything.
This Saturday i had it out with my j frame and detective special. The 38s especially 158 gr lead round nose really rang and moved the steel targets more than any 380 round, and i really have to focus a lot more with the lcp to be accurate. My 642 is just right on for me, from up close out to 20 yards.
The lcp custom is a lot smaller and lighter than the 642. I feel confident it is dialed in, it won't choke, but it will be slower to draw from the pocket, my accuracy isn't there without a two hand hold (642 I can shoot two hand, or left/ right alone).
It's a compromise but for me, 7 rounds of 380 in such a small, light, reliable package makes it a keeper. It's like an naa mini i can reload faster and reach further out with, with ammo that is a lot less likely to fail because I hiked with it out in the humidity!
(I carried a taurus ply 22, it would turn into a mag full of dud rounds every time I decided to carry it for a bit)
...(not the guns fault, the ply22 was accurate and reliable, no issues. The rounds wouldn't go off in any 22s even single action ruger)
... ... (turned me off of 22 for carry, the round seems very affected by temperature changes, humidity, etc)