Plenty of people remove the finger grooves, just make sure it's done by someone who knows what they are doing. I don't like the grooves either which is why I love the gen2. Good luck
For me it is a G22, love that gun!
The Beretta 96 is also a sweet shooter though :yesway:
Like you said though, plenty of fine choices. XD, XDm, Sig, m&p... any of them should serve you well. Just go with what feels best to you.