ORIGINAL: 3DRC
Well, as I said there are trade offs. I have a 35% AeroTech that lost the crystal and it flew itself around for several minutes before it went into the trees at half throttle. It hit nose on into a tree and had minor damage. It ripped the motor box and cowl off and it had a case of rash but the plane still flies, maybe even better now. I have seen countless Cardens go in and see another day in the air. I have also seen very light birds turn into dust. I had a RadioCraft that liked to kick the gear plate, an AeroWorks that turned to dust. I like the idea of a sturdy built bird that can survive over a superlight that caves in. I also drive a Land Rover rather than a KIA.
As Far as flight, my 29 pound 35% Edge is built stock, no mods and not too much concern for weight in the build. It is a much, much better flyer than my 27 pound RadioCraft was. The 106 hovers the bird under 1/2 throttle and it pulls out with authority.
It is all choices. One is not right and the other is not wrong. It just matters what is right for you.
I guess it depends what your looking for in a plane. Personally I like planes that are built for flying and not for crashing into trees.
Seriously though whatever floats the boat. I definatley prefer a light plane for 3-d work- there are alot of maneuvers that a light 3d plane can do that a relatively heavy 3d plane just can't do.