In regards to the Scout rifle concept, I agree with you Willie. One of it's greatest assets is exactly what you have described.
In the end, it will give one a very KISS rifle.
As for how Ruger markets their GSR, I also agree that the rifle is not a true (by definition) scout rifle.
With that being said, the options one has with a rifle such as the GSR really opens up the doors in what a specific individual can do with. The fine examples and pics in this thread alone (Thanks again to all here that contributed by the way) are clear in how versatile this rifle can be. So far, I have seen the GSR configured for iron sight use only, fwd mounted long eye relief scopes and holo sights, Optics mounted over the receiver with the supplied rings, suppressed and non suppressed examples, 16in as well as 18in bbls, stainless steel as well as well as the more traditional matte non SS, right hand as well as left hand bolts, and now an option of utilizing a well built synthetic stock. It also utilizes a magazine that is non propriatery and has a good reputation for reliable feeding via bolt action rifles in anything from 10rd to flush fit 3/4rd mags.
It's versatility in this regard simply allows the end user to configure this rifle to an exact set up of what one truly finds useful for one's own application of said rifle.
In the end, he/she can obtain a KISS system, and achieve it first hand, and for his/her own purpose.
I don't consider myself to be a Ruger fan boy by any means, but am extremely impressed with how said company is running as of late.
In the case of the GSR, Ruger states that if one is to own only one rifle, then this model is a good one for that purpose. In this regard, I would agree with them.
Loosing components is not the fault of the rifle itself, but that of the end user.
In the case of cheek weld, the addition of an adjustable comb would solve the difference in height between iron sights vs optic, and especially for night vision optics which tend to sit higher due to their size.
For one interested in a "one rifle" concept, the GSR has a lot going for it because of how versatile it can be, and how easy it can be converted for most types of uses if one looks at it in this light.
While I agree with you in reference to the GSR not being a true (by definition) Scout rifle, I think that they ended up with a rifle with the potential to be more flexible to the masses because of it's versatility.