I'm a fan of both the FAL and the M1A platform; particularily the M1A. I just can't speak to the southpaw issue, though it sounds like one person gave it a resounding yes.

Some say it is too heavy; I say get more excercise. But, I've always carried what many consider heavy rifles, so it doesn't really bother me. 5 round hunting magazines are readily available. Sure, a full combat load with a scoped M1A is gonna be heavy, but one with just one 5 round isn't going to be that bad.

FALs are nice, in particular the ergonomics. That said, the M1A is going to be more, to much more, accurate than a FAL.