The argument is true, trust me. The CAA have said it will see if the extra weight can be “allowed” by a change in the rules, but no plan for doing this has been put forward. If you want the full tec regs have a look at the section s rules on the LAA site.
The Eurostar is only one of a large number of machines which have this problem. I completely agree the rules are mad, that is why I spend time trying to improve them! The empty weight limit only applies to installed kit, so a GPS and an Icom can be clipped in and then removed. I avoided the problem by going VLA which does not have the silly rule.
Gliders are often operated at close to MAUW. My old MC100 was 2lb under its extended MTOW with me in it in standard gliding gear. There was no panel space and no weight to fit any extra kit at all.
I notice you did not comment on the constant angle issue.
Rod1
Edited to add, the French have no planes to mandate Mode S for VFR flight in any airspace. You may use Mode C as per the old rules and no date has been set to change this. Again just one example, the Mode S “war” is going to drag on for many many years. Eventually the tec will be replaced by phase three, ADSB, and a new war will start. Some people will avoid Mode s altogether, some will end up fitting it for a quiet life. I may eventually fall into the second group, but not this side of 2012 unless the Europeans change their minds.
Just to be clear, the French example above is taken from a formal question asked by the CAA a few weeks ago and the responce receved by the DGLC.