I sometimes feel like the Corps gets the short end of the stick, if you will. By that I mean that many people would agree that the Corps has the best man for man training there is when you look at the Corps vs. other branches. BUT, they have no true special ops units. They have RECON, and other "special ops capable" units. But when the special ops missions get awarded, the Corps gets passed over in the initial phases many times. This breeds a lot of inter-service rivalries with the Army, I know. It doesn't mean that Marines are not good enough to undergo the training for special ops, by any means. It just mean they are not organized in such a way as to accept those type missions (TO&E). It looks like they now want to remedy that problem.
I can tell you this, if the Corps would have had a true "Special Ops" unit when I decided to serve, I would have chosen the Corps instead of the Rangers. The pride and discipline that is instilled in Marines are key traits that attract the type of soldiers that accel in special ops. This move will definitely help their recruitment (not that they need the help). Also, I'd be interested if finding out just what "niche" this new unit is going to have. They will need a niche mission. Otherwise, they will just be another unit in direct competition with a special ops unit that already has a monopoly on that type mission, and it will breed a rivalry that is unhealthy, IMHO.
You make some excellent points, and I thank you both for your comments and your service!