I've been playing a 54D for a decade (with a 58D above it). I think the first was an SM5(?), I just order a new one whenever the grooves are cooked. Whatever the difference in models has been negligible. For me, it's great so long as the turf isn't totally dried out. I play in New England so that's rare. I suspect if I played in, let's say Texas, I would be carrying something with less bounce.
Did you look at the S? Roughly, it's sort of middle ground between the F and D.
With all that said... I'm not sure I would write off a wedge after one bad day either. Or would have moved away from a wedge that worked in the first place. Or would use anything but the shafts I'm used to used. But I really hate changing shafts in irons/wedges more than clubheads.