My two cents.
If you're shooting in some kind of competition where both guns are eligible, the AR is an easy choice. I don't shoot competitively, so that's not a factor. My interests are more along the lines of shooting soda cans for fun, improving skills at target shooting, and possible SHTF stuff. For those purposes, I would be equally happy to own either one. The AR is more accurate and you can carry more ammo. The AK is lighter, more reliable, and half the cost. Whatever. I like them both.
If you're shooting in some kind of competition where both guns are eligible, the AR is an easy choice. I don't shoot competitively, so that's not a factor. My interests are more along the lines of shooting soda cans for fun, improving skills at target shooting, and possible SHTF stuff. For those purposes, I would be equally happy to own either one. The AR is more accurate and you can carry more ammo. The AK is lighter, more reliable, and half the cost. Whatever. I like them both.