>could have have been the next M16 in terms of great leap forward or firearm tech
>all we had to do was refine it and work out the kinks just like we did with the M16
>choose M14 2: Fudd Boogaloo instead

What causes this mindset?

The Greatest Generation saw the potential of new firearm tech and admitted the M14 was a mistake but Boomers are just completely mentally calcified and refuse to move on.