You probably know all of this, 88, but I didn't. Interesting article !
LINK: https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/sig-716i-tread-most-tested-battle-rifle-of-2019-2020-reviewed/
Because SIG was already tooled up, they changed a few minor things that actually improved accuracy, and created the 716i 308 TREAD. It’s a quality battle rifle at an almost budget price partly because they got really good at making them.
LINK: https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/sig-716i-tread-most-tested-battle-rifle-of-2019-2020-reviewed/