I guess the question that needs to be asked is the following: what is going to be your primary use for this weapon? If you are dabbling in highpower, looking for a go-to battle rifle or just want the most accurate, robust 7.62 semi-auto available, get the standard M1A. If you are planning on spending time in the bushes, in the jungle, on a horse or just need a quick handling properties of a carbine sized weapon get the scout. Also, that is guy is full-of-it to say that the scout ain't accurate. It won't hang with a match conditioned M1A, but mine has always stayed under 2MOA and that is in league with or better than most G3s and FALs that I've gotten my hands on.
I, too, read that SOF article on the scout and they gave it a very good review.
For good deals, check subguns.com non-NFA board or gunsamerica.com(when it comes back on line). I have seen better deals than what youy have been quoted.
Whichever you choose, you can't lose-the M-14/MIA type rifles are fantastic.
Regards, Harp