Theres alot of people out there who slate the L85 but I actually like it. The A2 version is an improvement over the A1 but to be honest, I never had a issue with it. I'd guess that most of the L85s never see heavy use (Especially in the RAF ;-) ) and from my point of view, its perfectly fine for guard duties and normal every day use. I did a Tour of Iraq in 2005 on Bomb disposal (Not your everyday RAF Tour) with the A2 and because of its compactness, it sat by me in our Snatch, although I didn't use the sling. I don't know if im in the minority who like it, or if its just not getting the praise it now deserves but I'll defend its rep.
Going back to the L9, I asked a mate in the know and he confirmed what I'd already heard on the jungle telegraph.
'Thay are looking at replacing the L9 soon. But HOW soon is a matter of conjecture at the moment because xx,000 SIG';s are in theatre as we speak. But some trials are to be held soon. To be honest, if anyone seriously expects trials to be anything other than the nod for the SIG, then I'm a piccolo player.'
and he dosn't play the piccolo!
(I edited out the in theatre figure as I didn't want to publicise it, just in case some 3rd party wanted to misuse or misinterprate that figure for there own use, I may be being over cautious but hey.)