That is a precision rifle for long range competitive shooting. A shooter in jacket slung up can't use their left hand well, it's easier in prone to work the bolt with the right. It's not combat, and it works well in competition.
Left sided chargers, like the FNFAL, have different reasoning. Look at the ASA, it has a non reciprocating handle that engages a small cut out on an otherwise issue BCG. There's no loss of strength there. The small slot down the left side is open. Issues with "tight tolerances" and dust are moot - the BCG rattles around quite nicely in the upper, and DI blows out the dust. ( I find it hard to repress a DOH at this point.) If anything, those running a suppressor don't have crap blown back in there face by the ambi charging handle. It should be mentioned the AR needs lube more than trash talk about what's in the action, as course instructors have gone out of their way to report their class carbines shoot thousands of rounds without cleaning.
The side charger allows the shooter, prone, standing, or moving, to keep their hand on the grip and finger near the trigger while the bolt is being moved. If it's a stoppage, nice to be able to kick out the round and put more downrange quicker. You don't break cheek weld or drop the gun off the shoulder.
Is that really necessary for the average non combat shooter, not so much. For a hunter the advantage is really moot, but one thing is clearer, more combat and civilian guns do have a bolt handle on one side or the other than designs with a center mounted charging handle. It's important to note the earlier Stoner designs used a handle on top, with a full slot, and it's only on the M16 that the center handle was used. Nice try, it has it's disadvantages. It's important to note: how many big latch charging handles are marketed now just to work the bolt left handed? If it's a bad idea, then they are all crap. They still force the user to break cheek weld.
On a money note, it's probably not going to be cheap to get a side charger, GI uppers can be had for a lot less. The individual has to really want it - like me - and won't be able to justify it for casual use. BWTH, if you own more than one gun, you already ignore that argument anyway, just ask your significant other.
Look closely, all the newer designs use side charging handles. If anything, the next issue carbine is quite likely to have one. Obviously some serious thought on the tradeoffs has concluded it should be there. On some designs slots are on on BOTH sides and it's switchable to either side, as is the ejection port. Apparently some worry less about the dirt to help you operate the gun better.