I've owned and shot over a dozen Smith J frames over the years, vintage and new production alike, standard and PC versions, Airlight, Scandium and so forth. Always a solid choice, so not putting them down.
I've also owned several of the Kimbers and my opinion is that they are a better finished gun than the Smiths, externally and internally. That's a subjective call, of course, but I didn't go with the Kimbers for that reason. I spent the money on the Kimbers because of their excellent DA triggers. Have never handled one yet that didn't have an excellent trigger, but have handled some new production J frames with triggers that did not live up to the Smith rep.
Have yet to test a Kimber with a rough scratchy action, but have with some of the new Smiths.
More importantly, I spent the money on the Kimbers for their excellent fixed sights, sights that are large and very easy to see. These are a HUGE improvement over the traditional fixed gutter sights of the Smith J frames in terms of use. The Kimber rear sight is also drift adjustable for windage, unlike the simple gutter on the Smiths, and replaceable, as is the Kimber front sight. Since I carry a revolver in our dark woods, this is a very important feature. Standard fixed sight setups on the J frames and even their adjustable sight setups are all but worthless for my application.
K6s sights
As for being only available in DAO, not so. Last year Kimber added a DA/SA version, which I very much prefer for a woods carry gun for defense and protection against 4 legged predators. This is important enough to me that I traded my DAO Kimber for the new DA/SA version with the hammer. This version retains the same excellent DA pull, but now gives me an also excellent SA pull.
Also note you get 6 shots with the Kimber, not the 5 you get with the Smith J frames or Ruger SP
All the Kimbers I've shot (3) have been very accurate, both the 2" and 3" barrel versions. These were shot with my previous 3" barrel version, all in DA, of course, since that was a DAO version
Is it all gravy with the K6s? No, not when shooting full power 357 loads and, especially, not with those 180 grain bear loads. Recoil is stout, but 357 recoil will be stout in any similarly sized gun. An airlight or scandium J frame 357 will be worse, I promise you.
Not much available for aftermarket grips on the Kimber (especially for the new DA/SA version, because that version takes different grips than the DAO versions). If the Kimber fits your hand, well, like it does mine, no problem. If not, you might want to look at another gun.
Let me also add that the Kimber is a more modern design and a more robust design than the Smith J frame. No tiny frame screws to loose or break (have had it happen on a Smith J frame). In that respect, the Kimber has more in common with the Ruger SP, though it is still a lighter gun than the Ruger SP.
Lastly, yes, it's expensive, but it has features that make it the best choice for my use and that's why I carry it.
) to make sure I know it's putting them center mass. That stings, a lot. (My hand and wrist file an OSHA complaint.) Yup, it's a Beast, but easy to carry, and powerful enough to do the job if needed. Fully loaded, you could forget it's there, until you need it. And remember, in the heat of the emergency, you won't even notice the recoil. 
I bought mine that way... The original owner bought it, shot five rounds, traded it on a .380. 
My guy at the gun shop said the owner said it hurt too much to shoot, and if he was going shoot standard 38s, he may as well just buy an auto. 