Lighter is practically always better in Pattern. If he can do it, I agree... 2 lbs all up or less is much better for that wing size....I haven't built anything this small in a very long time.

I am mostly basing my opinion on recent commercial offerings of similar size, that were heavy/overbuilt, and flew poorly. Loadings typically in the 24 oz / sq ft. Fine for larger models but not the tiny ones

Your little tipo should have flown very well