There are some downsides to beginning with a P30 and not a clean sheet. The grip and overall design could have been more efficient. Starting with a P30 dictated general layout designed around a hammer, hammer strut and spring assembly. If it was a clean sheet, it could have had a lower bore axis and thinner grip (no hammer and strut to design around) and the pistol would be smaller/shorter. Before someone says that bore axis makes little difference in shooting... I somewhat agree to that point, but I do prefer to shoot pistol with lower bore as they have less muzzle flip, different recoil impulse but more importantly.... The resulting pistol could be more compact, shorter in overall height even though it would have the same size grip, its a more efficient design making better use of space. Size is always important in a pistol as its a compromised weapon based on size. A smaller pistol with the same length grip is a big win, so its not only for shooting that lower bore axis is important.
Unfortunately adapting strikers to hammer fired pistols is here to stay as manufacturers try to stretch their R&D dollars. Sig did so recently as well by adapting the P250 to a striker and bringing out the P320. Although I think the H&K execution is much better, and more completely integrated compared to Sigs half assed attempt.
