Well, one thing, .25ACP is much more reliable than .22 in an auto, I'll give you that. I carried one for a long time, cheap POS zinc RG26. Yet, it never failed to fire or function, though I didn't carry it daily and cleaned it often. The LCP fits in the same pocket wallet holster I made for that .25, though, and it's quite a bit lighter. .380 is approaching a serious defense caliber, too, which is a major bonus. Just don't neglect pocket guns, whether that means changing out ammo or cleaning pocket lint once a week. You were illustrated the folly of improper maintenance and blamed it on the caliber/gun. That is JMHO.
I had a little Beretta Minx .22 short. I've never had a less reliable gun in my life. That and the reputation of the .32 Tomcat and I kinda steer clear of those guns. But, in .25, I've never heard a complaint and built quality is MILES ahead of those cheap little alloy guns which actually DO work in .25ACP. That Minx didn't cap about 1 out of 3 rounds and didn't feed/extract reliably, either. I bought it from a friend cheap knowing the problems thinkin' I could fix 'em. I didn't really want the gun to carry, just thought it was cute. I sold it to a dealer at a gun show and made 35 bucks, so all worked out anyway.
The LCP is an awesome little .380 as is the Kel Tec P3AT and the new Taurus TCP. I was wanting a Taurus for a while, but honestly, I don't carry the .380 I have that often. It's an old Grendel P12, same size as the LCP except 12 ounces and about .95" thick. For that, though, I get 12 rounds double stack capacity. I never carry it because my 9mm P11 works so well for me and I have other options, too, like the new to me P64 Radom Polish Makarov and my .38 snub, all of which are much more gun than a 25 while easily carried in a pocket all day long. That P11, 9mm +P, 11 rounds on tap, 3.5" at 25 yards accurate and only 14 ounces unloaded. It's like having a duty auto in your pocket. I would NEVER trade that for a .25, thank you very much. I don't wear spandex pants, though, or suits with tight pants or that. I find, with my jeans or a pair of dockers, the P11 works well. I can't be too much of a minimalist where my life is concerned, but I do understand the need for smaller guns at times and my mini revolvers are that option. If I need small, by golly I need small. Fortunately, rarely do I need anything smaller than my Kel Tec 9mm. I honestly don't even realize it's there unless I think about it during the day.