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I have only "steel and walnut" M1A's and much prefer the feel and handling of that rifle for semi-auto fire. I also like the overall design better, including the lockup. But in full auto, the M14 is uncontrollable and, IMHO, useless.
The FAL is, again IMHO, awkward and heavy, although disassembly for cleaning is easier than the M1A. But for full auto, the FAL is more straight line in recoil and easier to control, partly due to its weight, even if it does sound like rattling a bucket of scrap iron when operating.
As to use, FN is a commercial military arms maker, and is very good at "pushing the product." The U.S. has never made or designed a rifle for commercial military sales, even though it has given or "loaned" millions of rifles to other countries. One instance of the difference is that the FAL is made with an adjustable gas system to handle about any ammunition the using nation might buy or be able to make locally. The M1 and (to a lesser extent) the M14 are made for use by a nation able to control its ammunition to close tolerances and specifications, with little concern about functioning with ammunition made in less developed countries.
Jim
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