Looks like a very cool design, and the price is pretty good too.
that does look like a nice design and the introductory price is ok. by way of comparison, CDI DBM is $35 cheaper and is also ambi and doesn’t extend below the trigger guard.
but they are $100 cheaper than badger (rear) and $115 cheaper than surgeon (front) which are both ambi and only the badger extends below the trigger guard, which frankly is not a problem at all given the magazine usually extends past it and would prevent things from snagging on it.
in either event, it’s not clear what about their latch design would be patent-worthy, given how similar it is to the surgeon… but hey, the more the merrier! glad to see new rifle products on the market. thanks for posting that.
There are quit a few DBM’s out there. APA makes one similar to the R&D one, Hooper makes one that has a choice of internal guard lever/button or a lever release. Seekins makes an ambi push button. Black Ops make a nice one as well with an internal plunger that releases the mag quicker and holds it tighter to reduce rattle. It all depends on what you want, I plan to use the Seekins in the future. I don’t care for the levers either and when speaking of “extending below” the TG, refer to it with a 5 round mag. That makes a difference since the 10 rounder will protect a wrecking bar sized lever.
Granted its mostly personal preference but what don’t you like about the levers?
(not that they’re not all levers just different shapes)
Btw if the long mags bother you switch to alpha mags. They make a ten round aics that is same height as the ai 5 rnd. I personally like the longer 10 rnd ai mags since I can use them to build a position 
I like the shorter mags and basically don’t care for sharp protruding items on weapons. Personal preference