Jeff, you nailed most of the 'negs' 100%. Especially the grip. I took a sander to mine, using 800 grit sandpaper and polished the grip to the point the back is almost 'flat'. She nowsits well in the palm, soild andvery littleside to side movement.

Regarding the loop, you can get a solid 'tight' smallloop with the d-loop pliers if you use the BCY # 24 Poly.
On the other hand, the Paradox 2.5 nylon round braid and the Gibbs Super loop material stretches too much before it tightens to the string, thus elongating into a U-loop instead of a D-loop.
But I do understand your concern with the claws of the release. I shoot with the Scott NSC wildcat, quite a tiny release head, so my d-loops are no more than 3/8"...just enough to easily slip behind the nock and inside of the loop with a hair or two clearance.