Great post Jarhead!
I agree that the Marine Corps as a whole is a special force, because of all the things you have listed in your post..
But they are not Special Forces... (If you know what I mean.)
Some elements of the Marine Corps can be called Special Forces, but I think it would be wrong to call the whole Corps Special Forces.
(in the way most of us sees the words "Special Forces"..)
And I see that you have not listed Winter Warfare on your list..
I have been on several exercises in Norway with Marines, and most of them (you) are real "special" when it comes to skiing and cold weather..
(no offense ment...)