For what it's worth, I've discussed this issue with some folks connected to the SOCP (Special Operations Combatives Program) world. They are adamantly against safeties on service handguns. In their experience, folks generally can't get the safety off when compromised in an entanglement. I'm sure @SouthNarc could chime in with his experience here, too.
ETA: Forgot to mention...an Academy classmates dad is on our wall of fallen officers. Carried a 1911 off duty, confronted some robbers....and couldn't get the safety off. They mentioned his case during the Academy, which was awkward with his son sitting right there....