Diablo
In one respect I think you or correct. The weight limit ( Which in my openion is a useliss rule.) eliminates the option to use many of the low cost ARF airplanes which other than weight are Patteren legal. Raising the limit would also afford the ability to use gas engines.
I do not agree with increasing the size limit. That would open up a whole new can of worms , namely it would prompt design changes throughout the entire pattern community which will result in increased cost in the long run, and since cost in this survey is one of the major reasons people don't fly pattern I dont think it would be in the best intrest of pattern to increase the size limit.
But I am personally 100% convinced that the weight limit should be raised. My airplanes all meet the current limit but I know of many that don't. The weight rule is like having a rule in Track & Field events that outlaw's the use of lead shoes by sprinters. It makes no sence.
Buddy