Yup, they weren't dumb enough to send a rifle into battle that was designed by computer nerds who didn't think things like chromed chambers were important or cleaning kits for that matter. Men died because the rifle was flawed from its design, end of story.
Early AKs had problems too, EVERY gun does, but as you correctly pointed out - they were corrected in the design and development stage.
Now, if I have to go into a combat theatre without arsenal/armorer support, I'll take an AK over an AR EVERY damn day! If I have the luxury of logistics support, maybe I'll go with an AR - MAYBE!
The design of the AK series is superior. The AR is a fine rifle without a doubt. The AK is an EXCEPTIONAL rifle. When you throw in the fact that you can probably manufacture a couple dozen AKs for the price of ONE AR, which is a better bargain when it comes to equipping large numbers of people.
BTW, I'll take any SAR (budget AK) over any Hesse AR (budget AR) in the blink of an eye.