re: .17 WSM vs. .223/5.56

Coastie,
I don't have a 17 WSM, but I MIGHT get one later. Having said that I think the 17 WSM should be much better than the 223 Rem/5.56 in 2 situations:
1. Ground squirrel hunting (technically "Belding Ground Squirrels) at moderate ranges, i.e. 100-200 yds. At these ranges, one doesn't need the extra power and noise of the 223. At these ranges, it should also shoot flatter than the 17 HMR and the 17 Mach 2.
2. Close range prairie dog hunting (i.e 100-200 yards), as long as it's NOT windy, for same reasons as above.

Granted, that's a pretty limited niche, but since when does a caliber (especially a new one) have to be better than a different (older) caliber in order for us to buy it?!

W/ the "available" bullets at this point, I can't imagine the 17 WSM not being very destructive on all small game.