In Feb' 08, my Sig 556, was just at $1200.00 NIB. Than during the real "Black Rifle Panic" Last winter and early Spring, the prices rose to the $2000 mark. They have come down slightly.
The S&W M+P 15T AR, back than was $800-$900. Now their $1100-$1400. DPMS "Sporticals" are less than $1000. (ask FQ).
LWRC and STAG's, etc,... the "price point" for AR's is the "$1000" range. Sig is very good of pricing competitively while remaining somewhat higher than the "entry level". Same for their pistols.
This just is an evolution to gain market share. ie Benelli. MSRP $1299.00 real world is the magic $1000 approx.
With all the other AR variants, competition is a good thing. Now if BHO/AG Holder pull another "fast one" they all go up anyway.
Just like last Winter/Spring.
I think the 556 will be around a while, as an alternative for why I bought mine: IT WASN"T A TRADITIONAL AR like everyone else had.
I love my 556, but you are correct in the "mass" AR market: They like tradition, parts availability, and a common design that has been around a while. ie 1911 variants.

Maybe Eric (moderator on this thread), can post a 556 follow up after his "testing" earlier this year, which passed with flying colors.

"Toes are for posterity"....
