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The graph of available (potential) energy from contracting a spring and allowing it to recoil is exponential, not linear. Each new centimeter of movement adds more energy to the total amount of potential energy stored in the spring than the centimeter before it did. The final couple of centimeters of movement on your slide could actually represent a significant percentage of the spring's overall force. It's best to allow the spring to utilize 100% of its capabilities to properly load the next round.

I also agree that the slide stop is (with most 1911's) metal on metal with no lubrication. The notch has a slight lip jutting out, and this can be broken by repeatedly forcing the stop down.

For longevity and reliability purposes, I would advocate pulling the slide back in all controllable situations.