I remember a few years back in the SE district, a fellow from Florida was competing in Unlimited with an old, heavy Lanier 1/3rd scale Laser, against everyone else who had the latest greatest. He was well practiced and prepared and kicked some butt. Time spent behind the sticks is what really counts.
Boy are you correct! I talked to Gerry Neal the year he flew in the Masters and he placed very well with a 44lb Staudacher while everybody else was flying Cardens and Aeroworks.
BTW-- I am surprised that nobody has mentioned Composite ARF (2.3M) since we are talking IMAC.