Tried reloading under fire? That dang stripper clip will get you in trouble vs. the "new" bottom mag developed for the M/AR platforms.

There are many features on the M1 Garande that set the bar for all to follow. The top feeding magazine is not one of them. At that time in history, I would agree with your statement (or Gen. Patton). Not so sure compared to some of today's offerings.

And wait until you see the composite-cased and caseless ammo variants. All the bang and 20% less weight.