Alright, I'll give it a whack, since you say he wasn't even close.
Exactly. If your primary argument is weight, then you freefloat it with a single-rail tube. MUCH lighter than plastic handguards, delta ring assembly, endcap. MUCH lighter. Since weight is your primary argument.
It's pretty obvious that you could care less bout any pros and cons, and don't want to hear what anyone else has to say. You've formed your opinion on (probably) a few different things. Probably a lack of research, bull$hit old re-told stories from people, a lack of understanding of the parts you're talking about, or just being close-minded bout it all. YOU think you know everything about it, and don't want to hear from anybody else one the subject. However, you'll spout your opinion - just don't want anybody else to give their opinion. Doesn't really work that way here.
Where do you think this needs to be moved to? WHY would you think this needs to be moved? Do you think this is new, ground-breaking information, and you're revealing it for the first time?
This is the same thing we've been saying here FOR YEARS. Thanks for the Hot Tip on it, though. Appreciate ya. <thumbsup>
This post from you was my favorite... <lmao>
First, you've now changed from "weight" being the biggest detractor (which is VERY innacurate, if you'd educate yourself)... Now, your thing is accuracy. Again, you need to educate yourself. You'll be far more accurate with a rail system of some sort than you will be with a snap-in handguard system. Everything you grip or touch that rifle - ESPECIALLY when you sling up - you influence that barrel, and change your point of impact. That won't happen with a rail system of some sort - your grip, sling,etc., don't influence the barrel in the same way.
Second - your deer hunting comment. Sling up tight with your handguard rifle, and you stand a much greater chance of missing your prized deer - than if you were running a rail system of some sort. Truth.
Finally, this isn't some new trend. Rails and freefloat systems have been in use for a very, very long time. Decades. This isn't new and unproven - it's old, proved technology now, in 2015. Railed carbines were issued in some military units in the early '90s. Floated systems as well. Run the math on that, for what you say is a "new trend..."
Maybe you can take a minute, get educated, and open your mind. You might learn something...