For my "battle rifle" or whatever you want to call it, I've chosen the AK platform... I will not put optics on them, won't do it. My AK is a tool, a tool in which gets abused(A LOT)! I have never had a problem hitting a pie plate a 100m with irons, and if I'm full prone I've done it out to 200m. I have no need for a rifle that goes out to 400-500m(If, IF I need to, I've got my browning .30-06), the <300m range of my AK has been sufficient in all my needs thus far, with irons.
As far as the need for optics while being downrange, I never felt comfortable throwing 5.56 out of my M4 at anything over 300m. In fact, the M855 I had lost a lot of steam out that far. For targets beyond eye sight(w/ irons), we relied on the M240s & M2s. I was issued optics while I was deployed, I took 'em off in favor of irons(yes, I stood out, lol). If I have to, I can throw rounds out to 300m+, but here in the states.... I don't see it "happnin" much.
Just my .02