ORIGINAL: petec
Then again no one said an competitor needs to use a 2Mx2M airframe at the NATS either, that is a choice. If they CHOOSE to go to the size maximum, then they MIGHT bump up against the weight limit.
If pattern is really about the best pilot then you really don't need a 2M airframe do you? I will never be at the top of the Masters class and really don't need a 2M airplane but I have one because I wanted one. I can lose just as well with a smaller airframe.
I could fly a 110 size plane and easily make the weight limit. I have three of them and they all fly really well.
But, they don't fly as well as my heavy 2M plane and are much harder for me to see. I couldn't win a contest with any of my planes but I want to fly the best I can. You can't really argue that a 2 M isn't a better way to go than a smaller plane whatever the pilot skill level is. You and I both will lose better with a 2m!