I had the same exact thoughts on the fit I felt like I was swimming in them a bit and felt the same about the laces , I ended up being uncomfortable running in them in half marathonn I did because image to hold my feet in the shoe
The Metaspeed + versions were seen by many non-elites as a half marathon and shorter shoe. It was just too firm for the full marathon. Where the Paris versions addressed that, while still keeping their speed at the shorter distances. Basically makes the + nearly obsolete in the Asics world as a marathon shoe. But might still have use for certain runners for 5/10/half. But let's be honest here, we are splitting hairs. It's still a good shoe, just there are better options.