I gotta step in here. You say those weren't an issue for a "non-battle" rifle. After the testing we did with my Sport, I don't think they're an issue for a "battle" rifle either. We buried it in mud, caked on snow and mud, threw mud, dirt and other debris at it while firing and it NEVER choked once. It functioned far more reliably than the "battle" rifle I was issued from 1998 to 2002 and was more accurate as well.
No obviously, the above torturing was done with a mag inserted and the bolt forward, but hell, if the bolt was open the dust cover would be too if you had one. As for the FA, I used mine exactly 3 times while I was in. Those were when the PMI and DI said to. After that, it was clear the jam and fire. I couldn't be happier with my Sport. Get yourself good mags and decent ammo, you will be too.
Edit: I wish the video came out, but my buddy's wife was not so good with her cell phone. I'm sure there are gonna be nay sayers, but the above is no BS!