Something, we may need to do here is get the OP, or anybody else, set the parameters of what is "most accurate" for them. Also, of note are some juxtapositions I didn't see coming.
First, when I think of 'ride' or 'drive' when it comes to shooting, I think of free recoil as on the bench, or 'driving' ones shoulder behind the butt of a rifle and allowing no recoil movement. I think position shooting has the same attributes, i.e. rolling with the recoil vs. stepping into it and stopping it. This seems especially true when shooting heavy recoiling cartridges. Each would think that the other way is less accurate. Yet, I've seen both methods produce extreme accuracy. And, that accuracy is out to long ranges. I say as long as the shooter remains consistent each time he does it his way. I wasn't aware that where the offhand was placed was also considered the 'ride' vs. 'drive' difference. So, I learned something there.
Second, lock time and dwell time as it relates to unlocking are often misunderstood. What I feel affects the op, and other AR users is how pressure and dwell time relate to unlocking. Thus my statement about finding a load that not only has good barrel harmonics for their rifle, but also is compatible with the gas system. While the carrier isn't moving while the bullet is in the barrel, pressure is building up against it.
As we've covered many facets of this topic I think a few myths are busted. But, a few facts come out of it as well. The military went to the AR because it was easier to shoot than a bolt gun. To be fair though, bolt guns were in 30-06, not 5.56. I think the recoil factor is as much to credit for that as is the type of rifle. Another truism that stands as far as accuracy goes is AR's are NOT used in the ultimate accuracy game, bench rest shooting. I'm talking serious competition. So, with a very fine line, regarding accuracy most of us never achieve to begin with, I'd have to say bolt guns give the best accuracy.
HOWEVER, this brings us back to the task at hand in giving the op an opinion and helpful advice. Relative accuracy as required to shoot the courses he pursues, the AR is plenty accurate. As I mentioned in my first post, an AR properly built with a load worked up for it is going to be accurate enough to score hits at a level that can win competitions for him. Or, just meet his long range accuracy goals.
With that in mind I would suggest a couple things. Get a known good shooter to shoot some groups at the ranges you want to shoot to. You may have a rifle problem. And, take one method of shooting and get instruction in it. You are at the point that troubleshooting the method you use isn't finding anything wrong, And yet you are not attaining the accuracy you wish to. Sometimes just sorting things in a different way will allow you to see where the problem lies. As you well know, the only way to improve here is find the glitch that is holding you back. Is it you?, the rifle? or the load? Remember, it is YOU who will need to see and acknowledge the problem to fix it. An instructor can point it out, but you need to acknowledge it and make the changes.
FWIW, I used to have a strange recoil anticipation. I call it 'shark-eyeing' the shot. I would catch myself hunkering down just a little more and my eye's rolling up in my head right as I squeezed the shot off. About like you would do right as you stepped into a nasty fight. There's that split second during an attack that your body goes into the defensive offensive mode. You are going offensive, but certain parts of your body go defensive. Eyes being number one to notice. And, of course they mean a lot when shooting.
