Probably. My most frequently used .223:s (hunting) spend 99% of their time on a sling on my back when I carry a shotgun so weight is crucial. Especially when walking 10-14 hours a day. On big game hunts a large frame rifle has to be carried too, and even a moderately heavy .308 gets uncomfortable pretty quickly. On treestands and driven hunts weight doesn't matter that much, but when things start to happen they can happen very quickly making low weight and low inertia - the core feature of an AR - an advantage.The number of people using an AR as a long range hunting weapon, or backwoods survival rifle would be lower, I would think.
A 10-14" pencil barrel carbine with an alloy suppressor, a lightweight telestock and scope is ideal for what I mainly use AR:s for. The R-25 is a fantastic rifle for any form of stationary hunting but if I need to walk, move or stalk, I'll choose something else. I'll probably have to look into putting together an ultralight AR in .308 in the future, perhaps. I love the guns, I just hate the bulk I don't need.