Bob Gardner wrote:
Maybe I'm not old enough either. I can't remember weight as ever having been
a consideration. Those leading edge profiles showing clear, rime, and mixed
have been around since the early 60s to my personal knowledge.

HOWEVER, I have a book from the 1920s that talks about "ice barnacles."

Bob

I wondered if perhaps some of the ultra low wing loading of the older
planes (like the J-3) didn't have nearly the aerodynamic effect as a
result of ice as a higher loading wing today does. Essentially, perhaps
today we have a lack of excess lift available?
In my younger days, I flew the J-3 after only doing a 1/2 ass job of
defrosting it. I never noticed any problems. Just thinking out loud.

-Robert