I want all of you to read this following test from last year. Just read it. If the M4 were such a pos then why did most of these civilian models sustain 10,000 rounds of steady fire without such problems. Certain ammo caused problems and overheated barrels drooped and were shot out but that was from using a weapon far beyond any design parameters.
http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/brass-vs-steel-cased-ammo/
In the trenches of France, it was an unshootable POS and the Canadians swapped them for Lee-Enfields just as fast as they could. Point being that conditions of use matter more than anything else.
I own a few AR-15s, but the things I don't like about them are functions of the basic design:
-I find the charging mechanism to be a pain in the ass, as it requires dismounting the weapon to use.
-I don't like the enclosed receiver that makes dealing with a jam tough (and any weapon will jam when debris gets in it).
-The direct impingement gas system increases the amount of troubles you are going to have to deal with, because it brings everything right back into the receiver and mag.
-The 5.56 is inadequate for shooting through things, which provides a lot more usable cover to the enemy.
Per the tests you referenced, firearms that are shot continually (staying hot) will put through a lot of rounds without issue. While that same gun will jam on a fraction of that many round if allowed to cool off without cleaning in between. Similar to light bulbs and car engines, its the starting and stopping that induces problems.
Is the AR a POS? Well, I wouldn't own several if I thought it was a POS, the recoil is non-existant and volume of fire is high, but its certainly not my all around favorite.
Fantastic article! TY!