Does anyone but us gunnies make such a big fuss over this? Do off-road types get hyped up over a Humvee replacement? Foodies about field rations?
I know that car junkies get into the selected vehicles, for different reasons. They get excited about the possibility of a civilian version being made available for sale. Foodies? They laugh at MREs, make jokes about them, and refuse to eat them.
I think gun people just like to debate gun stuff. Back when I got into guns, in the 80s, the big debate was 9mm vs. .45 ACP vs. .357 Magnum for defensive use. There was also the 1911 vs. DA autos, and revolver vs. auto for defensive/duty use. Now, the great caliber war continues, though not as hotly contested. Revolver vs. auto is over. And the 1911 vs. all other autos will live on forever.