Where the debates and disputes come from, is from what people consider to be important to them. The TDP and Mil-Spec are not important to me. Not in any way. I spent 21 years shooting weapons that are obviously "Mil-Spec". So what? First; no AR that we are talking about can truly be Mil-Spec/TDP compliant, considering it's a semi-auto. But that aside, a civilian's use for the AR is not the same as a military person's. Now there are those that believe that they as civilians risk the same possible threats as a military soldier or police officer might. Well, they can believe what they want. But there is no argument that a civilian can and will take better care of their AR than a soldier on the battle field. In other words, the civilian can continually keep it clean. Can continually test and tweak. The soldier needs to have his/her rifle ready all the time. They can't just say: Hey sarge; I'm going out back and shoot off a couple hundred rounds for the hell of it.
So the TDP/Mil-Spec doesn't mean crap to me. I'm not going to spend my money on an AR based on "The Chart" or because it happens to comply with the TDP or is in complete mil-spect. (As complete as possible for a civilian rifle). But what I do care about, is what the rifle is planning on being used for. That determines if an Olympic is a good choice.
For the average AR user; who will mainly be plinking 1000-2000 at most per year; possible prairie dog shot once in a while; and possibly as a home defense weapon. The Olympic will do the job just fine.
For the person putting out 5,000 rounds a year; is into competition marksmanship shooting; does long range deer hunting (100-200 yards) with 75 grain bullets; or is into many of the carbine or shooting type classes; etc... Then no; the Olympic is no where near the right choice for you. The barrel isn't intended to make the heavy bullet deer hunting shots. The gun probably isn't as accurate as needed for the long range marksmanship competitions. The Olympic simply isn't a good choice.
But again; it all depends on what you're going to use it for. What is more important, is how much you spend on it. Price is a fact. If my S&W M&P15 could only be bought for it's retail price of $1069, I probably would have bought a BCM or a Colt. Not because they're better. (I didn't need better). But because for the same price, you might as well get better. I.e. I live in the city. I need a car. I NEVER will go over 40mph. I can get a ford focus for $10,000 new or a $50,000 Cadillac. The Cadillac is a "Better" car; but I don't need what makes it better. Not for a city car doing 30-40mph all the time. HOWEVER: If the Cadillac was on sale for $10,000; then it would only make sense to get that over the focus being they're the same price. But in my case, my M&P wasn't $1069. After christmas sales and rebates; it was $649. Well, that is a "BETTER" choice than the $1100+ Colt. For the average AR shooter who is just shooting paper for fun and the occasional prairie dog or possible home defense; the $800 Olympic or even $650 Century is a decent choice. HOWEVER: When there are a lot of sales around where you can get that M&P15 for $650, that would be a no-brainer. Same/Better price, and a better rifle.
Head to Head, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying an Olympic AR. But when the prices are a variable, then it isn't "Head to Head" any longer. If the store has BOTH a 6-Pack of Pepsi and a 12-Pack of Pepsi; and the 12-Pack happens to be on sale for the SAME PRICE as the 6-Pack; it makes sense to buy the 12-Pack. Well; for most people, the Olympic may be the better price and better deal for their use. But if the 12-Packs are on sale for close to the same price, those are what you should be getting.