I don't know. They have money, but also a budget and need to make profit.

On the other hand, there was the "manifesto". Someone more familiarized with history texts maybe can say if it is inspired in a real one. I mean, if it is intentional, then the manifesto that is passed to Andor would be more significant.

To my (limited) knowledge, AKs have been used in many countries because are cheaper and more durable than similar weapongs. Maybe that was the feeling that they were aiming for.

To me the clash between Luthen Rael ruthless planning and Mon Mothma trying to do things right (but pressured anyway) is more significant. Or the clash between the idealist who wrote the manifesto with the mercenary. Also the price on Vel's relationship that the loyalty on the cause has.

From my perspective, there is some level of criticism or at least reflection that the original movies didn't had. Rebels are no longer just "the good guys", they are complex and might be as bad as some imperials.

But reading to much into this kind of films is fun. Even if they didn't have that intention, the result might be what you see and that adds more readings and layers. In my case, that is something I enjoy ^_^ So good catch. XD