i pondered the same question. AR10 or M1/14.
the benefits and limitations of the M1/14 have been covered. i held a few, even. hard to put down.
the black/'evil' look of the AR wasn't a draw or deterrent, just utilitarian. the gas system at first turned me off, and i understand the issues in 'sandbox' environments, but as range, hunting, target, SHTF MMR (my main rifle) platform it won out for me.
some of the things that swayed me to the AR10 variant:
1) commodity based pricing (well before the Nov 5th anyways) vs. a market price + a mystique premium
meaning, a very wide range of AR platform folk. the M1/14 lines offered seemed to be, beautiful, but less plentiful; sure there are some fixer-uppers, but not for my first semi-auto rifle.
2) availability of parts/flexibility. and not just grips/sights. i realized that i could start with one of these
and enjoy the 24" barrel, and bolt-gun accuracy. yet... thanks to the DPMS, when budget allows: get the AP4 upper/assembly with its own 16" barrel with rails, etc. loosing 8" of overall length and 3-4 pounds in the process. the flat top uppers with integrated rail, means my scope goes along with the 24" assembly and the (aimpoint/___?) will stay on the 16" barrel assembly.
kinda why i'm looking at the Mossberg 930.
i had zero experience with either. so it was a cold/impartial decision. and the flexibility and value of the AR outweighed the 'poops where it eats' maint needs.