interesting... never heard of that, but a FET (from my understanding) is usually used like an on/off switch...
with that 'extra' red wire, it looks TO ME, like that assembly is supposed to work like this: the fet replaces the trigger switch, since the trigger switch can only pass so much current, before heating up and burning, you run a FET (or relay) that opens/closes with the trigger switch, and then the current to the motor is actually passed thru the fet/relay to get max power to the motor. Basically, the fet/relay can pass MORE current than just the trigger switch can, especially w/o burning up the contacts in the trigger...
At least, thats what it looks like to me, I'm going to be building/doing something similar with my m14 soon, as the trigger contacts are wearing out and I dont want to have to open the gearbox to replace them again...