I have a 2" titanium .38, and in my humble opinion ...................
ANYBODY WHO WOULD EVER PULL THE TRIGGER ON A SMALL TITANIUM .357 IS F-ING CRAZY!I also had (emphasis on the word HAD) a titanium .44 special, and after 10 rounds (2 cylinderfuls) the web of my strong hand was split and bleeding. The little .38 that I carry kicks violently with the 135 gr. Gold Dot +P HPs that I carry and shoot in it and there is absolutely no way that I would ever shoot a .357 that size. With regard to the porting, that might help muzzle rise but I bet it would have a negligible effect on recoil. It would definitely make it a lot louder and would also blind you more in a night firing situation. That big ball-o-fire would be directed right up in front of your face.
I don't consider myself a pistol wuss either. I shot IPSC for almost 14 years and have been shooting pistols for over 30 years. Maybe if you have a high pain tolerence?
Good luck and I hope you do well, whatever your final choice is.