Again, check out the CM9.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-kahr-cm-9/If you know a FFL who does cheap transfers, it will likely be available new for 450, and very possibly less. Full time plus P rated, and not too pricey.
About the values of plus P ammo, the difference is a .380 effect of an ice pick .357 hole through a bad guy, or serious hydrostatic shock. Hydrostatic shock can be summed up as a HP bullet expanding aggressively, and the air compressed into the hollow point exploding and making a really big ass hole. If you can't get that performance out of a small 9mm, you have almost no benefit over .380, other than the arguable benefits of available use of heavier bullets which should penetrate better, but this doesn't mean much if you simply use powerful FMJ or flat nosed .380.
With a longer barrel, as I'm sure you know, you get better velocity from more complete combustion. But with a barrel that short, the one and only way you can get 1200 FPS or so with a 115 or 125 grain JHP bullet is with plus P. And even with a longer barrel, plus P is highly desireable because you can get like 1400 FPS. Again, it is the one and only saving grace for 9mm. Otherwise it is a weak little round which sucks pretty badly.
Plus P ammo use, reliability, size, shootable accuracy, and price are the only real considerations in getting a hideout 9. The Kel Tec falls short in Plus P, size, and accuracy.
So to sum up, the PF9 will work, but it will offer you nothing that can't be had better from other products.
In regards to Bronson's concern that their customer service sucks, you could also consider the fact that many don't like them for being owned by Moonies. There are many faults to be picked with them, but the problem is that they offer the best product yet available for this niche. I am among the first in line for someone, anyone to outdo them.