[Check-raiser]

No problems whatsoever here with a LCP max, round count is about a half case fmj speer tmj and a few boxes of carry rounds, Precision One XTP & Fiocchi Extrema. It shoots point of aim with very mild recoil, small groups at 7 yards. Pocket carried exclusively with the Mitch Rosen el Raton leather holster which has a decent size "snag corner" to draw the weapon. Fits better in my hand vs G42 when using the 12rd oem mag, and I prefer the increased capacity of the Max. If my Max was shooting low, I'd contact Ruger for warranty work.

 

[Check-raiser]

If I read you correctly, you are saying there is a place for really small handguns. If that's correct, then I think there are better pistols for that purpose than the LCP MAX. Although the MAX might be better for that purpose than the 42.
If I ever buy an LCP it is going to be one of the very first ones that came out.

A for sure way to know it's one of the first LCPs is seeing the recall diamond stamp in the rear most portion of the alloy frame insert under the hammer. Mine has not failed me once over 4 cases fmj and every jhp I've thrown at it. The LCP Customs work well too!

 

[Check-raiser]

The LCP took the KelTec P3AT and upped the manufacturing quality, but was very similar to the original (a slight bump up in weight and size, but very similar). The later iterations got a bit bigger and a bit heavier, and shifted away from the initial super-tiny design.

While the MAX is a nice little gun, if I were to replace my P3AT, it would be with an older LCP like the one you describe. The MAX gets large enough that it fails to be small enough to hold enough advantage over my 365 for me to choose it, while the P3AT is so light and tiny that for super-small carry it sometimes gets the nod.

I used to have the Keltec p3at. Could not get more than one or a few rounds before a stuck casing, ftf or fte. Realized the rifling stopped midbore and changed directions near the muzzle end. Sent back to Keltec on my dime, and still had stuck casings nearly every single round with ftf, fte. All using federal, remington, winchester, speer etx american mfg fmj.

The Ruger LCP has it's place for discreet carry but isnt great for shootability. The LCP had two iterations on the original frame, the latter with an improved double action trigger, lcp custom being one of these. The best round I've tested in that original LCP for less recoil is Hornady Critical Defense which under penetrates vs Precision One and Fiocchi Extrema.

Pocket carry LCP will literally not print at all, and the galco horsehide pocket holster is easily unholstered.
The LCP max doesnt print that much imho and now has replaced my orginal LCP and Custom as EDC pocket carry.