I think this is a great topic. I've been doing some of research on it. I found this.
http://www.ar15.com/content/swat/200...vs_Mini-14.pdf
very informative. It's hard to get unbiased opinions from anyone. Most of the Ar crowd will put down most anything other than Ar's and the mini crowd will do the same. Reasons for going with the either are pretty specific to the user. I like the mini because it looks less like an "EVIL BLACK GUN" as some douche bags see the Ar's. I personally think that in a S.H.T.F situation I'd rather have an AK than anything else. BUT I feel you may be seen by other civi's and possibly the authority's as some kind of a threat, I think this includes the AR. To most gun illiterate\ignorant they instill fear. I think the wood stocked mini wouldn't be so threatening and still be just as effective. Just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions......