( I don't think I mentioned I wasn't happy with the current state of Pattern... other than planes being 'xpensive :O )
I guess my (incorrect) interpretation derives from the fact that the "imagine a 3 meter pattern plane" could be taken to mean "I wish pattern rules would premit" or simply "imagine just for the heck of it".
IMAC airframes might be comparatively cheap on a pound-for-pound and inch-for-inch basis, but everything else about them is more expensive, except for fuel if one is flying glow in pattern.