Okay, here's my .02:
The fact that it is more compact has its advantages. When crawling through the brush, I often snagged my APS2 making it difficult to manage. Also, when having to swing my rifle in another direction quickly, the longer barrel took more time, especially in the prone position. If the shorter barrel doesn't make it less accurate...I'd use it for sure.
As far as the red dot...I think it is a great idea. I remember a sniper in Iraq using an M21 and a red dot that made several kills. At the distances we play at a red dot would work. If they make one that is 2-4X magnification, that would be great.