but I am suggesting that the USMC should be left alone as is.
And why should the USMC be the exception? Do you remember Kerry's campaign speeches reference super-sizing SF? We very narrowly missed being the victims of yet another social experiment. Ever hear of Katie Wilder? The 18X Program (not a bad thing)? There's pain enough to go 'round for everyone.

On a more serious note, did you read the recent articles on Stability Operations and the new role in the chain? My personal opinion is that FID will be a key element in them and nobody does FID better than certain elements of SOF.