I also have a Star BM, and like it more and more as time goes by. It seems like other more expensive "carry" guns just pass through my hands. I always end up selling them because I can't really hit any better with them than I already could with the Star. I just keep coming back to its natural ergonomics, classic lines and slimness. It's just the gun that fits me best I suppose.
I can't comment on other guns. Mine is very reliable, will feed hollowpoints perfectly, shoots to point of aim, has a fabulously light/crisp trigger, and is actually quite accurate. It's not perfect though. The safety is a little too easy to snick off and I don't trust it cocked-and-locked. I just carry it chamber empty, which I'm more comfortable with anyway since I have no formal training. Also, out of eight shots it will sometimes throw a wild flyer, which I've never really figured out and may be a symptom of Winchester White Box 9mms, which is about all I shoot.
Also, you can never, ever dry fire it.
I find these acceptable losses for what I paid and for how much I like the gun.