My rifle today an M1A is every bit the rifle that the USMC handed me in 1969. Thus I love the damn thing
I hear you, brother!
Not to dis anyone's shooting ambitions (I have many different rifles from mil surp bolts to modern Stoner gas guns and enjoy shooting them all), but IMHO the M14/M1A platform is still the "rifleman's rifle", especially in it's proper military aperture sights.
I think it might be the short eye relief to the rear sight, the easy natural point of aim with the traditional shape of the stock, and the long distance to the front sight post, and the steadiness from the heft of the whole package that makes it "just work right" in the field. (and it's dang accurate if you know how to handle a battle rifle)
By contrast, the light AR/LR platform with the high stock necessitated by the buffer spring/tube requires some weird body mechanics to get behind the sights, unless there is high mounted glass. Which is OK and does fantastic things of it's own. But it seems to be a different game.
Before you rant at me about being against the AR/LR platform, know that I own one in .308. And I really like it. I built it and it works fantastic. And I put a truck load of ammo through my M16 45 years ago. But the game I like is on my M1A instead.
If you are reading this and never seriously fired an M1/M14/M1A, find a buddy who has one and get a hundred rounds of ammo and go the range. Learn how to use aperture sights properly, and form your own opinion after your range session. I will bet you will be surprised at how well you do.
There is just something about these rifles that says "serious", and "Mission Accomplished". And they help you be a better marksman.