*sigh* all this M113/variant bashing hurts me to my core
I spent roughly 8 years on different M113 variants - M577, M113, M113A3, TC'd a M901. I have a soft spot for them.
They're not nearly as bad as the rap they're getting - they just can't be used as a direct replacement for a M2 or any other IFV - an IFV they're not.
I still think that we'd get 80% of the mission capability of the Stryker for 25% of the cost with the M113. But the added loss of life (getting to that in a sec) wouldn't be worth it - the biggest issue with them nowadays is the IED. There's no way to retrofit a V-shaped hull on the M113 (like they're doing rather successfully with the Stryker), so in a counterinsurgency, they'd be a death box.
Regardless, I love them even if they are flawed, so please take it easy on my memories :-D