After shooting quite a few open guns I have not found one yet that consider flat and soft. I can make them shoot flat or soft but not both. There are a lot of threads on this topic already and it is usually the same points made each time. Basically if you want to hunt for brass and pick it up the 38 is fine, I chose to shoot it and leave it. I go to matches to have fun, when I am not shooting I am usually helping run the timer or scoring so I don't want to agonize over losing my brass.
As far as reliability, I have found that to be on the shooter most times when I see an issue. If you shoot 9 major you need to be a detail oriented in your loading practices, and gauge your ammo.
I would also agree with talking to Pat, I just got my build from him last week and am loving it.