Nothing ' fairly easily ' about getting a class 3 license trust me I know people who have gotten them and it can take up to a year. Forget the price
Wrongly considered to be ' assault weapons ' when in fact they weren't
It is actually fairly easy. While there are a couple of steps as I mentioned, a clear arrest history, approval by your local LE department and the ATF is just about it. As I recall the license is only about $200. Now purchasing an automatic weapon isn't cheap at all!
Please don't get me wrong, not trying to start an argument on this, just trying to clear that air that "you cannot own one." Also, you are correct, unfortunately those items that classified guns as "assault weapons" were among the silliest things possible. I have never heard of a drive by bayonet-ing! Those adjustable stocks clearly make a weapon more dangerous as well!!

BTW, my knowledge is based upon family being in the business. He is a FFL and gun smith, and has been since I was very young.