Build Thread Planning an M4gery, need advice

[Diamondback]

So, as my next build for long-term planning I've decided on an M4gery, Full Metal Milspec as close as I can get other than the 16" barrel, no Rock & Roll option and upgrading to Mid gas. (Markings aren't important to me.)

I'm looking at one of these two Palmetto kits as a start:
PSA 16" Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 A2 Nitride Freedom Rifle Kit - 507279
<broken link removed>

Bayonet, I know I need an Ontario M9 but I'm not sure which.

Which BUIS, optic, and other accessories do I need to add to replicate a current-issue front-line weapon?

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[Diamondback]

Er, this project just grew a little... either two M16 clones (as US M16A4 and Canadian C7A2) or two M4geries (US M4 and Canadian C8A2) as His-and-Hers sets. thinking is for the most part to spec out "common core" builds, then add the specific parts that separate the North Of Border replicas from our own service-issue.

Optics and bayonets are Deferred Action items due to ITAR horsecrap and budgeting; I know the M4 and M16 call for an Ontario OKC-3S bayonet (~$100) and either Aimpoint Comp M4 (~$900) or Trijicon ACOG TA31F (~$1300) optics, while the C7/C8 call for an Eickhorn B2005 CAN (price: over 260 Euros shipped from Germany) and Elcan C79A2/Specter OS 3.4x (~$500 used/~$1200 new).

So, some build plans under consideration:

M4gery All-At-Once: M4 $407, C8 $535
--Complete Build Kit: PSA 778970, $349.99
--Lower: Anderson AM15 via Quantico Tactical, 3/$127
--M4-Specific Parts: Badger Ordnance 249-02 Tac-Latch, ~$15; Matech BUIS (already bought from @IronMonster ); possible RAS-type handguard replacement
--C8-Specific Parts: Model 1 Sales* "Wook" CH Latch, $11; Tony's Customs CAR15 stock and recoil-pad, ~$35; Daniel Defense 11002 BUIS, ~$70; GG&G 1120 rail for cylinder handguard, ~$27; spraypaint furniture Krylon OD, negligible; Cadex 622-000 OD green foregrip, $50
*This is that funky ambi-latch the Canucks use, and the only source I've found for it down here

M4gery Economized/Upgraded: M4 $482, C8 $598
--Upper: PSA 506525, $179.99
--BCG: POF 01300, $149.99
--Lower: Anderson AM15 via Quantico Tactical, 3/$127
--M4-Specific Parts: PSA 36759 Lower Build Kit, $79.99; DSA ZM48517-A CH, $14.95; Badger Ordnance 249-02 Tac-Latch, ~$15; Matech BUIS (already bought from @IronMonster ); possible RAS-type handguard replacement
--C8-Specific Parts: Anderson LPK via AIM Surplus, $39.99; Model 1 Sales CH with "Wook" Latch, $24; DSA ZM4BTK-K buffer kit, $29.95; Tony's Customs CAR15 stock and recoil-pad, ~$35; Daniel Defense 11002 BUIS, ~$70; GG&G 1120 rail for cylinder handguard, ~$27; spraypaint furniture Krylon OD, negligible; Cadex 622-000 OD green foregrip, $50

M4 Questions: Can anyone suggest something that looks similar to a Knight's M4 RAS (KAC item 98064) but more suitable for Mid-Length, or is there an add-on rail DOD uses on old cylinder handguards short of the full RAS? Or, do full-length 11-rib RAS cover panels hide enough that I could "fake it" with any midlength quad from Midwest or AIM Sports, since the only Knight midlength RAS I've found (#20214) seems to be Unobtanium?

I'll add the M16 options in a later post, when Palmetto has a better selection of 20" uppers in stock.