eeh.. i think im going to KISS it and just go with the pin on A2 gas block and front sight, and the non free floated forearms.. i can worry about adding accessories or customizing or updating later on,
first priority is to run the AR through a series of tests to compete against my AK.. these tests will include reliability, accuracy, ease of repair, durability, weight, and handling through a variety of realistic tests including drop tests, dirt tests (not dumping it inside which is unrealistic, but dropping it in dirt), maybe some distance shooting, timed target shooting to test handling, i can easily judge east of repair on the fact BOTH rifles would have been built and assembled from parts on 80% receivers
i'll probably judge each rifle in each test on how many starts they get out of 5 to determine which is the overall best rifle for me.. if it does in fact turn out the AR-15 wins, then and only then am i going to worry about customization and upgrades
so, 16" to match my AK, fixed pinned gas block and front sight, fixed rear sight on the rail, regular "drop in" handguards, probably the M4 style collapsible stock, A2 flash hider, and im going to spend a little time with it to get used to it first before beginning such tests to get a good feel of its limitations and maintenance cycles