I kind of like the handle. I do not like the idea of mounting a scope/optic to the handle because they look too high....I probably would just get this one the way it is and change later. I would prefer a flat top but do not want to spend money on the optic right now. Ideal would be a red dot scope on an M4 rifle but everything I look at says $900...I was just going to get a mini 14 with open sights but this seems like a much better option. it is within 10 bucks of the price of the mini...
You'd have to try it and see if it actually was too high. It depends a lot on the mount you get and the scope. I had a Colt 4x scope with mount on an A2 upper and loved it. The scope was small, so the center of the eyepiece was surprisingly close to the aperture of the iron sight.
I wish I'd never sold that setup years ago!!