As the happy owner of a 96, i can't offer much advice on how hard they are to clear after a malfuntion, mostly because I've never had a malfunction. I've tried. I break down before the gun does. I tried to see how long I could go with out cleaning it before performance suffered. I couldn't do it. Somewhere after 1500 rds, I couldn't take it anymore, I had to breakdown and clean my gun. I've shot thousands of rounds, mostly the cheap Walmart variety Winchester "USA" 165 grain FMJ loads. The biggest problem I've found is that even the cheap ammo adds up...

As to the exposed barrel, a few thoughts: The exposed barrel dispenses with the weight of the metal that is used as a "shroud" in other guns. The exposed barrel dissipates heat faster. The exposed barrel allows for easier attachment of barrel end accessories (availibility subject to local law and/or budgetary concerns). The exposed barrel provides for easier cleaning, or more to the point, one less place for gunk to collect and build up. The exposed barrel allows you to create "custom" looks easily, by buying a barrel in another finish than the rest of your gun, useful if your interested in purchasing another barrel in another caliber, say .357 SIG in the case of a .40 cal model 96, that allows you to shoot a different load (check with your gunsmith for applications where this can be done), with different color barrels, plainly visible, mistake get much harder to make.

The fact that the 92 is standard issue to our armed forces means that aftermarket support and accessories are incredibly easy to come by.

A few quick thoughts from the top of my head, feel free to ask for others...

MV