We went thru this drill a long time ago --and as others found - the real difference is simply perceived difference.
Some pattern fans are adamant that the only perfect flying models are some overpriced all CF foreign design.
Even when they get their ass handed to em on a platter by someone flying a scale design -they see that as just a fluke .
A few years back - a friend SS(who won the TOC flying a a very large bipe) called me to say he had been practicing pattern with his popular pattern design and comparing actual maneuver accuracy with his TOC model.
His feeling was that he could fly the pattern better -lying on his back with one eye closed-with his TOC scale model.
The thingies which rely on highest power and lowest wing loading get the pole position on the unlimited aerobatics - But - If you make the thingy retain some scale outlines - it works just as well .
After comparing and building years worth of lots of sweep /aspect ratios / wide fuselage (whatever that is) designs - I am pretty sure that all that really matters for the new stuf is incredible power to weight and super low wing loadings.
The rest - just make it look good to you.