The only things an AR needs is a two point USGI web sling, and a bayonet.
No red dots, no optics, no lights, no bi pod, none of that jive.
That what my pops said until his eyesight started to go and I bought him an Aimpoint. Now that old man make me work to keep up with him at the range.
I am not one for adding weight that one does not need. But a good optic and a good light are essentials in my book. But I do agree about the two point sling.