Because people have gotten lazy. Its kind of sad when you have people hitting the berm at 50-100 yards instead of the mansized target.
The optics are better suited for todays combat, but only by a hair especially in Iraq. In afghanistan where ranges are longer its understandable. But it shouldnt require a magnified scope to hit someone and hit them accurately. Dont get me wrong, because I love my acog, and love the aimpoint as well, but I still have love for iron sights.
While on the subject, I read in the Marine Corps Times that if your unit issued optics, you can use it on qual. That is complete BS in my opinion. I havent been in near as long as the MSgt. above, but to me the 200-500 yard qualifying shoot is where you exercise the fundementals, and the EMPs and such are where you exercise the type of shooting you'd be doing in theater.
-Max.