After each range session, I disassemble the BCG and clean it (the bore as well). Mineral spirits, toothbrush, patches, q-tips, etc. Generous lube, reassemble, done. The way I see it, keeping the rifle generally clean will keep it reliable, and it will prolong service life by reducing wear and tear on the system. When you have metal parts sliding around against each other, they'll simply wear faster when there's carbon and other debris sliding around between the parts, acting like a lapping compound.
Cleaning isn't something that really needs to be a burden. It doesn't take long to disassemble and clean the BCG, and it doesn't take long to clean the bore. Other than those two components, there isn't much else to clean on the rifle. You could probably get away with not cleaning the buffer tube or trigger group for a year, or even more. I'm sure there are folks who've never cleaned either, and their rifles run just fine.
Keep the essentials clean. It doesn't have to be "white glove" clean, just clean enough.