Perhaps, but the USMC seems happy with its piston operated M27, and with the adoption of the NGSW (whichever version--probably Sig Spear), the DI 5.56 will be on its way out of regular use, as will the 5.56 itself. Anecdotely, I own 7 piston operated 5.56 rifles and have never had a single problem with any of them. To be fair, I also have several DI 5.56 rifles as well, and similar results. To me the key is to buy good quality weapons and then take care of them.