As in all things there has to be the right balance as to weight, ease of shooting, and power.
I have found that the J Frame Smiths suit me best. If one wants a .357 then I believe he must not go with a light weight gun or the recoil will greatly limit the amount of practice and shooting enjoyment. I have a M60 3 inch, and a 640 2 1/8 inch .357s. However, for my personal carry when I carry a revolver I choose the M 642 .38 Spl. anything lighter is unpleasant to shoot.
I do not feel under gunned with the 642.
If I ever have to use it in SD and the .38 Spl is not adequate then so be it. I am not going to punish myself to prepare for something that has a miniscule probability of happening. Yet, I do feel competent and that my firearm will get the job done.
To each his own.
Jerry