How similar are the manual of arms for the SCAR versus the AR? malfunction clearances etc? is there anything you dislike about the SCAR? I've handled one but never fired one, same with the newer varient AUG, which is a very handy size.
I'm very familiar with the AR and I was contemplating picking up a Daniel Defense to play with and see what's new in the way of pieces and parts. All of my AR experience is with the full sized rifle with iron sights from way back when the AR wasn't cool and mounting an optic on one wasn't a trivial task. Same with the HK and M1A and a M1 in .308, all great rifles that I got rid of for some reason or another.
I guess I view the M4's current popularity as another fad and I want to make sure I don't spend my money on the wrong rifle, even if it's not "the" thing right now. The cost of a SCAR is easily matched building and tinkering with an AR to get it "just right", which I WILL DO. If my addiction to 1911s taught me nothing else it's that I'll tinker a gun to death given the slightest opportunity. The newer rifles are what they are, there's not an after market industry slely devoted to supporting those rifles with literally thousands of parts to try and blow money on. With a newer rifle you mount an optic on it and shoot it, there's not much else you can do.