Have you ever ran a 200T or the rear handle version? I didn't think the T was all that easy to handle with the poor handle spacing, but it was designed mainly for one hand use. Too close together for me and I quickly found out how kick back prone they are. The T is about as light as they get for a saw that can be dropped from a bucket and survive the impact. Not sure how Stihl could trim down that tubbyass little saw without giving up it's ruggedness.
The 261 gained weight over the 260 and I couldn't believe all the whinning about how the added weight ruined it as a serious limber. Well, we all know how that has turned out and some of the biggest critics became the loudest to sing it's praises.
I distinctly remember some guy on this site saying that the extra weight of the 261 was a "deal breaker" and then after purchasing one remarked that it felt lighter then it's competition. I also remember a video that was posted here and at some point in that video the phrase "get that old king outta here" was uttered in reference to the 346XP. Apparently the extra weight was no longer an issue.
But carry on, I love these threads.