i have just read all these posts and feel i have to reply with my 2C. Glassing and painting is at least double the weight of monokote if you put either of these on the same structure. For example if your finished structure is a given weight, then monokoting will give x weight-glassing and painting will give 2x weight. I have been doing this for over 30 years. I have done both. I have tried all kinds of paint and coverings. the only way to have finished structures the same weight with glassand paint vs monokote is to change the structure which is what Bryan and I do. Bryan and I cuss and discuss this stuff all the time. He says I thought him to paint but he is better than I, so whatever. I much prefer paint if it is doable. I just enjoy the plane so much more.
mike Harrison