I don't see why this is such a problem. If your safe about it, thats all that should matter. I do it because I feel its safer than putting my hand near a chamber opening up and I don't want to look in the dirt for my round.
I used to have gel cups and they went bad on me. They are very comfortable however. I've switched to custom ear plugs and like the small package better.
I put a one hundred dollar bill in my pocket with my keys. I pulled my keys out to get in my car. When I got home the bill was gone. I went back to my parking spot and found nothing. Hopefully someone needed it more than me.
Sometimes I think it helps and hurts to shoot with better shooters. I seem to learn things and it pushes me harder when I shoot with better shooters. On the other hand, some times I shoot too fast and screw up.
I try to get there early enough and not rush my self to break it down. Once I find a good plan I stick to it. Shoot your game, but don't be afraid to adapt. Don't forget to count the targets in your breakdown.
Gen4 is better overall because of the interchangeable back straps and is smaller than the gen3 with none. Grip stipple is better. Ambi mag release is handy. The recoil spring issue is negligible with an adapter. glock sights on either are junk any way.