There is more to speed than weight. I would like to see the F16 weight limit removed.. no min weight.. As there is a lot more to performance than min weight.
I personally believe the Viper beams are not even close to being to big. It makes a massive difference in performance to the boat.
F18 beams in general are to small.
Have you seen the size of the tree trunks on the M20.
The Viper is fast because it has stiff hulls, bulkheads/sub decks, stronger beams. It not a business decision to put on the same beams its a performance/quality decision.
Do you hear any Viper sailors wanting to raise the class weight?
So remove the weight limit, let everyone find a compromise between weight, quality, stiffness, performance.. The Viper won't change. I predict the boats will get heavier and stronger and hence faster. Unless your willing to spend real $$$'s.
F16 is a development class, go for it...