I believe the opinion was that a lighter version was nowhere as good as a heavier one. That makes sense if you consider the possibility the heaver wasn't heavy, that ultimate vertical probably wasn't in the flight schedule, and gusts and turbulence affects would cause more problems with a lighter version.

Higher wing loading really is relative. So is "lighter". I've built two Extras in the last season and flew the heck out of both. The first was a pound lighter than the second. When the second was new, I didn't like the way it compared. It could easily do everything the first did except where "vertical" came into the picture. Both could do the schedule I fly, and do it with ease. But the new Extra slowed more over the tops etc. I swapped the OS61 for an OS75 about a month ago in the second Extra. Right now, when I have to choose between the two, there really is no contest. I like the way the heavier plane flies better than the lighter one. As it is, the heavier plane is nowhere close to being a heavy airplane. And if I were to build a third from scratch, there wouldn't be a seconds hesitation to sheeting the wing. In my experience it can easily be done without adding significant weight, and the model in question has plenty of leeway for a few more ounces. Would I sheet it in plywood? nope, and I wouldn't do a foam/sheeted wing either.

I think that's actually spot on the topic here, btw.