Totally ignoring the fact that a lot of the M4's problem aren't related to dirt issues, but are in fact caused by increased stress on the parts from the shorter mechanism. This is starting to sound like the death of the F-14, despite the fact that it was the plane the Navy wanted.

I see the "smaller rounds let you carry more" arguement as a catch 22. With smaller rounds you need more ammo, because one bullet won't do the trick as often as it will with a larger calibre.

Not sure how true it is, but I've heard there's a kit available for the M16, that rechambers it for for 7.62mm rounds.

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That is included in the link I posted.

True, the shorter gas tube on the M4 does account for some malfunctions, but the fact that the m16 family of weapons uses the gas tube also leads to the malfunction of the weapon more than say a gas piston system.

When you fire an M16 the gas from the round igniting follows the round down the barrel until it reaches the opening of the gas tube, flowing down the gas tube to cause bolt carrier to eject the brass and pluck a new round from the magazine. The problem with the gas tube system is that it causes carbon to blow back into the upper receiver which can build up over time with extended use.