Thanks, chaps.
I hate those soft rubber Hogue things. I experimented with them on my CF pistols back when and found they slowed the draw, gave inconsistent and sticky hand placement from a holster, and, while reducing felt recoil into the hand a tad, increased the "split" time back onto target. And the finger grooves never fit my hand. Finger grooves are basically a bad idea in every respect.
On the other hand, none of those considerations apply to plinking with an air pistol, and I can see how they may actually help the loose forgiving hold needed with a powerful springer. I may have to revise my view. Still don't like them, though.