There is a compromise of sorts.. and as far as I know only one company has ever done it, and only on one model of pistol.
A rail cover.
The Beretta 90-Two had one
View attachment 315128
Interesting!
I wonder if the rail haters would be satisfied by a rail cover like this, if it were an option on all modern pistols? Aftermarket option?
Would the haters actually consider a polymer pistol with the rail stylishly covered or would there be no interest in anything other than cold steel?