Last time at the range I fired a guy's XD 9mm. It had a 4" barrel and standard sites, model XD9101. I didn't find anything objectionable about it. I was more accurate with the Steyr sites but think I could get used to the XD sites as well, given enough practice. The XD had slightly more perceived recoil, maybe it's a bore axis thing. It didn't feel bad in my hand at all, but I still think the Steyr ergos are slightly better. I also think the Steyr looks better than the XD. :lol:
Regarding the trigger, no, I do not get any irritation from the Steyr's trigger safety after 300 rounds. Looking at mine I can see a very slight raised line left over from the plastic molding process. It's offset to the left side. Maybe this is what's causing your discomfort? It's nothing that can't be lightly sanded smooth.
For the XD's trigger, definitely different than Steyr. This guy's XD was brand new before he shot it that day. Out of the box, the XD's pull although longer than the M9's, was very smooth. I didn't get any of the plastic-on-plastic feel in the pull like I got with my M9 when new. My M9 has just around 700 rounds through it so far, so it's still in the process of smoothing out. But the M9's pull is quite a bit shorter than the XD, so once mine smooths out the M9 will be the clear winner there IMO.
The XD is a really nice pistol and I can see how some might prefer it over Steyr. It just depends what you like. But I am not aware of anyplace where you can buy an XD NIB for $300. 8)