According to the esteemed talmidei chachamim of the CR, what is the halachic status of the Aruch Hashulchan? Why was the Mishnah Berurah picked to be the sefer followed l'halacha? Is it still okay for one to follow what the Aruch says?
Also, usually the MB is pretty machmir and does not like to pick sides in machlokos rishonim. I'm learning Aruch Hashulchan in orach chaim and I see that he does this ALL THE TIME!
Just recently, I learned an aruch (in O.C. 176:1 for those interested) where he claims that the Rema is wrong, and that because there is a safek in the Bavli, we follow the Yerushalmi (he loves the yerushalmi for some reason)!!!!!!!!!! Voz iz dos?