Is this going to end up going nowhere like the XM8 in an attempt to get Colt to lower its prices? A piston based system like the H&K 416 would be a clear improvement but I'd rather they ditch the 5.56 round for a 6.5 round if they going to make a change.

It is 5.56 "NATO" which means we share that round with all of our NATO partners. That combined with the fact that there is only one ammunition plant in the US makes it highly unlikely 5.56 will be changing anytime soon.

I doubt it will go anywhere.

I don't think the next leap forward exists at this time. Something similar to the jump from the '03 Springfield to the M1 Garand.

During conflicts we tend to expand the variety of weapons we field to fill niches in combat. Then following that conflict we draw down to a single generalist weapon to save money and ease of training. I imagine we'll do the same this time.

An Army rifle company could currently be fielding the M4, M16A2, SDM, EBR(M14), M24, M110, M82 and M249. That will be consolidated down.