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From reading this article it sounds like heat dissipation and contaminants from the conditions aren't something an M4 can handle. I guess there are ways to maximize effectiveness by controlling fire, but when the shit hits the fan, having to slam through 12 mags of 30 rounds continuously through until the barrel is white-hot is something that seems to me to be prompted by desperation. Don't get me wrong, were similar circumstances put to me, I'd probably do the same thing.

Bigger, heavier and battle proven means just that - heavier ammunitions, weapons and logistics. M-1 Garands, M-14s, M2HBs - all good, but take a lot of support.

I guess that if you're going to have your soldiers work with arms limited in some fashion they need to be backed up by other support (close air support, etc.). This sounds like they didn't have that and were caught in an untenable situation.