Well, that's a point well taken. When I got done with my semi-annual qualification, the official AF clean/lube was Break-Free CLP. That stuff always seemed awful oily and gummy to me. Never used it on my own firearms. I'm thinking a Teflon or PTFE-based dry lube would be a better idea for the M-16. Something that's not a stinking dirt magnet.
We had the same stuff when I was in the Corps, twenty years ago. It isn't bad stuff, it just needs to be removed when the cleaning process is done. Some always remains at the sub-detectable level, and that's what does the lubricating.
I have a friend who chronically over-does it. His action is always dripping with the stuff. Next time I see him, I am going to dump a handful of dirt in there, hand the weapon back to him, and say, "Your front door just got kicked in. Quick- respond"!
I'll be a sport about it and help him clean it out, but the message will stick. As will the crud, until he learns to keep the darn thing dry.
You know, that's an excellent idea. Some dry lube and carry around a can of 'Dust Off' (essentially compressed air). As long as the action is completely dry, the compressed air would be pretty good for blowing acquired crud out of there.
No wonder you fly-boys get paid the big bucks. :-)