I don't blame you. Some of us just can't justify 2000-5000 dollars for a semi auto .223. I have owned just about everything on the market in that respect and it still has me looking for something that suits my needs. I don't want a fancy battle rifle. I just want something simple and affordable that works and still makes the liberals crap their pants when they see it

I also prefer things made of metal. The SU-16 rifles are great IMO but I like something that I don't have to worry about cracking easily. The SU-16 is also not worth the $$ it sells for. The Mini 14 is ok but doesn't scare liberals well enough, also I have had baaaad experiences with the M14 style action so I avoid it like the plague.
I think these rifles have promise, they just need to finish working out the quirks. They seem to be close.