Thanks MG - that’s exactly the kind of experienced info I was seeking. Looks like I’ll go for the AR clone. At least for that’s the one I’ll get first.
What I haven't discovered is whether Ruger’s spare parts limiting policy applies to their 5.56 and 7.62 NATO AR-style clones. The AR is readily fixed and for Ruger to apply their stupid spare parts policy to these rifles would be a PR and financial disaster for Ruger. Ruger can get away with this spare part nonsense with the Mini-14 (and clones) market, but for the AR clones? It makes no sense when there are other manufacturers’ AR spares that probably will fit the Ruger AR clone rifles and carbines.