LOL! Folders ARE fun and the 18/180 in particular. I should have been clearer...I was thinking more of moving vehicle work rather than buildings.
Its really sad that the 180 didnt catch on (only in a few 3rd world countries) b/c the design is superior. Youre quite right about the cost/value ratio. I suppose 1st worlders wanted something more sophisticated and cosmopolitan and the 15 met that requirement. In a 'high need' situation Id go w/ simple/cheap anytime and the 180 is a perfect fit.
I read somewhere that the 180 was considered to replace the 16 back in the late '60s, but since they'd already comitted to it, the Army decided to stick with Colt.
Ironically, the XM-8 rifle that's slated to replace the M16, which thread I linked to above, uses the 180's operating system.