ORIGINAL: nonstoprc
A wood fuze probably is heavier than the fiberglass one. If the power system is electric (a trend?), the weight requirement is hard to meet with the wood type.
A kit version of Passport probably will sell very well because of the design. The reduced price will be compensated for by the quantity sold.
I myself am looking for a good 2X2 and do not want to worry about the mid-air of a $$$ airplane with other sports planes at my busy field. The power will be electric.
The wood fuse of the EF Extra is at least on par weightwise with composites, equipped the same.
There is extra weight in the stab because the model is intended to be used with electric powerplants and something needs to offset the batteries. Fin and rudder could be made lighter also. Wings are very large by pattern standard at around 1250 sq inches, yet each weighs in at 18 ozs rtf. Made smaller and lighter and of the correct design, it would work great as an inexpensive pattern set-up.
I certainly hope Chris Hinson takes a closer look at this and makes an alternative offering specific to pattern needs