I helped Carl Herold a bit when he was developing his handicap system,
specifically the weight was manufactures listed (brochure) weight +
250 pounds. Military says a man with parachute = 200 + 50 pounds of
instruments, battery, O2, etc. I think todays allowed weights are much
more liberal.
I also think the handicap system we have works well and I for one am
quite happy with it.
JJ