Well, before everyone starts bringing out the pitch fork, these things are designed for certain requirements. You can find this stuff buried in some huge powerpoint file on project management on the net.
Squad Common Optic Initial Concept
Increment I: 2nd Generation Optic
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Variable Magnification, 1-6x (T), 1-8x (O)
Unity power desired for Close Range Effects
High magnification desired for increased P(id)/P(h)
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Reduced SWaP: ≤ 1.5 lbs
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Delivery timeframe - late 2015
My guess is that they must be battery powered so they can be compatible with clip on NV.
The BDC is an army thing. It is designed to combine an ACOG and aimpoint for line soldiers. It is NOT a DMR or "sniper" optic.
The picture in the VCOG brochure is wrong. At 1X, you cannot see the donut at all. Only a reddot is visible.
The fix mounting is also an army thing - it is only going to be mounted on M4, M16 and M249 anyways. They probably make it high enough to clear for the PEQ. No way to mess things up if the mount is integrated to the scope.
You may not like it, but this is how they think they can best meet whatever the requirements that have been put forth. The Leupold MK6 is pretty much the same thing essentially but different in the details. There are some commonalities, such as recticle design, but differences in execution, such as the presence of locking turrets and battery choice.
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