Flame on.....
this is such a dated system.
....the Kalishnikov design is older, but is still the most prolific AND the most reliable small arms designs of all time. Being "dated" has nothing to do with design success, engineering does.
It is a continuation of a failure in american small arms development.
Really? So kindly explain to the CGN community why the rotating bolt, direct-gas impingment system that Eugene Stoner designed in the 50's has lasted as long as it has with very little re-engineering?
There is so many superior systems out there.
According to who...you?

Every small-arm system design is going to have advantages, and disadvantages. Weight, handling, function, accuracy, initial cost, supporting costs, on and on.
You only need to study small-arms development to understand that there is not one weapon that is all things to all armies. That's why all military orgs have individual, section and perimeter support weapons.
They are not effective for stopping "people in the desert region of the world" due to thier dehydration.
Have you just returned from Afghanistan? Did you shoot a Taliban and have him bounce back up and shoot you? I'd love to hear the story if you have.
I have several friends currently in Kandahar, both REMF's and ENG's doing mine-clearing and looking for IED's; and four other techie friends getting ready for another roto.
They love their C-8's and swear by them. Of those people I have spoken to that have actually used their weapons in hostile action; you need not worry about anyone getting back up.
Granted the 5.56mm is probably not the best round for FIBUA with low obstruction penetration.....but personnel can carry alot more of it for longer sustained actions.
I mean the rifle is accurate and that is fine.
Really? So it's better to have what......something that makes noise but you can't hit anything unless it's 2 feet in front of you? Small-arms engineering and design requires that you strike a balance between reliability (all modes), handling, accuracy and finally, cost. Regardless whether you agree or not, many nations believe that the AR system continues to meet that balance.
Look at the other systems AK FN SCAR hk 416 to mention some evem the XM8 was way better.
Well, if you own/owned or had regular access to all of these systems and can speak from direct experience with use (including combat), I might find your comment to be informative. However, I would suggest that when you make offhand comments like this one, you should speak from first-hand experience.
Flame off.......