Why I learned to like the AR-15.

That's a great story.  Personally, I like building things, so I'm naturally attracted to the AR platform.  It's a DIYers gun.  Also, if I'm honest with myself, I like utilitarian looking firearms because I think they look cool.  I know, it's probably one of the lamest reasons to like a gun, but I've always been a sucker for lookers, when it comes to women, cars, and firearms.  One gun I almost bought in the early '00s or '10s was the FN-FS2000 with the integrated scope. 

At the time they could be had for around $2,000.  I lusted after that gun for years, but couldn't justify spending that much on a gun just because it looked like something out of science fiction movie, or video game.  The integrated scope looked cool, but in reality was terrible.  At the time $2k was a premium price for a 5.56 gun, there were lots of much better preforming options at that price (in truth there still are).  But that gun looked sexy to me.  As it turns out my reluctance was a mistake.  The FN-FS2000's are stilling for twice the price today.  ...oh, will, one of many missed opportunities to make money on a firearm.  But I digress. 

My point is, if I'm honest, I like the AR platform because for a relatively modest price a person can build a rifle that suits whatever itch needs to be scratched, You don't have to be an expert gunsmith to DIY it. Parts are easy, not requiring a lot of skill to make them work together.  And the AR platform just looks cool.

That FN fs2000 is a cool looking bull pup.  According to Wikipedia it ejects forward to the right through a tube above the bbl. I've never heard of such a thing but it sounds innovative.  I like the concept of bull pups as it still gives you good velocity in a compact package, ideal for carry in a vehicle.