I wasnt aware that one of top performing IMAC/Freestyle airplanes in the world was considered "heavy". Cardens are very nice airplanes and are light when compared to many other planes in their class. I suppose some of these guys see cardens as great airplanes, maybe you have heard of a few of them.

Frank Noll Jr.
Mike McConville
Mike Sauls
Billy Shaw
Jason Danhakl
Don McLellan
Ivan Kristensen
Brian Hanna
Joey Hamilton
Tony Bonanno
Blaine Austin
Matt Stek
Scott Russel
Dan Rocha
Bill Cline
Team Flatout
Jason Noll

There are other planes that fly on the same level (but not a stock H9 plane) but for the past few years I think carden has been a proven winner. The reason a lot of people dont "just get a carden" is b/c they are a kit and they are expensive.