M1A elitists do think of themselves the same way.

The M16 was a bad rifle and needed to pulled from frontline service because

>it had less maneuverability
>less versatility in operations
>contributed to solider fatigue being heavier
>harder to conceal
>harder to deploy
>harder to transport
>didn't lose much otherwise by going Carbine

The XM7 is fine tho 🤡