All things considered the SR-15 is the best all around AR
There are other makes of ARs that people have shot "thousands of rounds" through with no problems. The same can be said of the SR-15.
There are ARs more accurate than any SR-15. I don't see any posts claiming the SR-15 is not functionally accurate enough. No MOA or Sub-MOA chasing required.
There are not many posts claiming other rifles have better handling qualities and standard features than the SR-15.
Standard parts are certainly more readily available, but KAC parts are reasonably obtainable. There is no excuse for not having them if your life depends on your rifle.
No manufacturer has addressed the main complaint about ARs as thoroughly as KAC. That complaint is reliability and durability. Can anyone really argue that the component improvements made by KAC are equaled in inherent strength, reliability, and durability by any other manufacturers components?
All things considered (reliability, functional accuracy, handling, strength, durability) the SR-15 is the best all around AR.
Once more around the dance floor.
Not being a superstitious man prone to relying on magical thinking for explanations or comfort; I do not believe in anyone’s “super mojo voodoo”. KAC certainly appears to have gone beyond mere “theories” with their performance. The KAC system is not a marketing gimmick.
Based on my own personal experience in the military, I cannot agree that "at least 80% of the US military knows only what they are told about a weapons system and nothing else". That is an under estimate, 95+% is more accurate. With many of the remaining 5% thinking they know things that just aren't so. However, it is surprising how many SpecOps personnel U.S. and foreign who have a choice frequently chose an AR platform to take in harms way. Accuracy, fire power, and acceptable reliability in a light weight package is very appealing when on the far side of nowhere.
The whole SHTF theme I see frequently mentioned is given far more attention than it warrants in comparison to more realistic use scenarios, i.e. recreation and immediate short-term self-defense. The most probable SHTF reality is not “Mad Max” or “Red Dawn”, it is short-term disruption followed by recovery. If the SHTF to the point that massive extended firefights are occurring the initial survivors will find out what combat veterans know: there will be plenty of weapons and weapon parts available for pick-up from their recently departed owners. Entering any fight with the most accurate,reliable, and durable weapon is good life insurance. I believe KAC is selling somewhat better insurance than the rest. The other two options in the poll are certainly good enough, but the poll asks for the best.