You obviously havent been around the various boards, including here, where the fights rage on, about how the M1 and M1A should be brought back and the M4, AR, whatever version you want to compare, are poor dog and mouse shooters and not worth a crap.
There are also a lot of people who seem to think the M1 and M14/M1A , are still viable weapons for the end of the world thats been forever coming, generation after generation and seems so important to many.
I think the reality is, a lot of people have been told a lot of stories, get one, and think they are now at the top of the food chain weapon wise. Hey, whatever. Lots of people seem to have their heads stuck in another universe, and reality isnt a big thing there.
I agree with you, these rifles are, and have been for a long time now, basically big (and little) boy toys. Except maybe for those with SHTF fantisies.
For a while, the M1's were the top of the heap in the matches, but that hasnt been the case for quite a while now either. But, there are quite a few who still use them in the various military rifle matches, and if youre serious and shooting them regularly, Im betting youre probably a few notches above "toy" level.
They are fun stuff, as long as you understand them and realize that if you dont use the right ammo, or load them properly, they can be a bomb in your hands, just waiting to go off.
Im sure youve probably seen this one before. Many of the hobbyist M1 shooters Ive talked to dont even have a clue that this can and does happen.
I still see people dropping single rounds into the chamber on them and letting the bolt fly. If this sounds familiar, I HIGHLY suggest you find out what a SLED is and use one. At the very least, use a clip.
If youre reloading for them, best make sure you know what youre doing there too.
They are all fun and games right up til you need stitches, if youre lucky and thats all.