Ok, if the HK rebuilds are POS, along with the Century FAL's, are the $500 CETME's the answer for someone who wants an inexpensive .308 rifle?
[sniper]

Had one briefly, put about a hundred rounds through it without a jam.   Sights leave a lot to be desired, and the first time you disassemble the damn thing you'll have to use a hammer and punch, but I understand it smooths out as you shoot it. Sold mine to finance something else, but it's not a bad rifle for the money.
Personally I would go with a Century FAL first, though---you can always have the kinks worked out by a smith, if necessary.