The weight rule has been an issue since LiPo batteries made electric a viable alternative. In fact even before that. I know in 1993 Dave Von Linsowe tried very hard to get the FAI to weigh electrics without batteries. I don't know if there has ever been a formal rules proposal submitted to the AMA to change the weight limit rule before, but I know it has been discussed amongst the Contest Board before and a proposal wasn't made as the board wouldn't pass it. So I don't accept the "airport" metaphor. Sometimes it takes time for an unfair rule to become obvious to enough people that the support for changing it reaches the needed level.