I think if we took a poll of men born prior to 1950 and asked their opinions on AR-15 rifles, I think we would be shocked. I think JZ is just a product of his generation. I know of no one age 70 or older who has any interest in AR's or AK's. And I've heard plenty of old guys deride them while in gun shops.
Big difference in Uncle Joe at the gun store and a public figure who purports to represent hunters commenting on a widely-read blog.
