Nathan,

It is argued by some that planes will increase in size, and or bipes will become the norm if we increase the weight limit. I'm not sure that many would actually design a plane for an AMA class so not sure if it's true or not. We have a weight rule to keep the size from increasing which may in turn (as argued by some) cause planes and their parts to become more expensive. Minimum weight in pattern will never happen. We do try to keep them as light as possible anyway because lighter generally fly's better. Way back when the engine displacement rule changed planes did get bigger, but there was still a limit of 2 meters by 2 meters, so they could only get so big. Of course they cost more, everything got increased in size. Once they got to the 2 meter stage, things needed to be lighter (speaking in terms of glow power still) which cost more so that we could still make weight.
Now we throw in the E power. Well, fair or not, the rule is the rule. Rules are made to follow, but in time, rules change (or we wouldn't be flying 2meter size planes anyway right now with big 170's or big E motors). This rule is very old. Is it time for a updated weight limit? Only those voting on this will be able to say. It will be interesting to find out.

Chris