Have seen many of the same issues with out of the box sproingfields as well.
A new in the box chinese M14S rifle (not a polytech) according to many U.S. sites has an unfired value of 1200.00 USD
Norc oprods are arguably BETTER than most usgi and springfield op rods as they are ONE PIECE forged
Springfield receivers are KNOWN to be out of spec to G.I. machining measurements/tolerances.
each "brand" has it's issues. I buy my norcs for the receivers, barrels and oprods... for 399 ish... a freakin steal of a bargain. I choose to swap all other parts out to G.I. but that's just me.
what makes a 2000.00 out of the box springfield better than my USGI dressed norc (cost 1050.00 ALL in and has a match chamber)
bottom line..... buy what ever makes you happy