I didn’t and wouldn’t make that assertion! 30 06 was perfect for Garand!
Call me old school but I think M 14 should still be main battle rifle with M 16 playing a secondary role like Thompson/M 1 carbine in WW2. Maybe some HK MP5’s and shotguns for “house cleaning”, etc. thrown in for good measure.
The M14 and Garand are too heavy.
IMHO: Suppressing fire was more effective with the M1 Garand, when the enemy was 200 plus yards away. Because of the round.
The barrel, wrapped with rags (so you could hold on while sweating) and with bayonet attached, was a handy tool.