Due to the fact that I have not been around pattern all that much I can't really see anything that I can call the cause of any of this. I do think that the current size and weight are major contributors to the cost of a pattern airplane. I'm sure that this has been asked a million times but why do we continue with the 5 Kilo rule? It has been around and complained about for a long time now. Certainatly there have been rules proposals in this timeframe. Even if the FIA wont change, why does AMA adhere to the rule? I think all the classes up to FAI are called AMApattern are they not? IMOif the weight limit were changed to 12-12.5 lbs, the cost of airplanes would come down. We as customers guide the market as well. I tend to see more people trying their hand at designing and building airplanes. This could be that we are starting to tell manufacturers they need to be more price competitive. We have always been the sort of people that wants equipment that is better then the next guys. Better is always more expensive but in the process we are making the road for a newcomer more difficult. Foremost, when I have seen a successful event, it has always been because or a handful of enthusiastic people behind the event.