Granby,
Currently being in the market for a very light gun, I would be remiss in calling the kettle black. ....but.... having humped up and down very steep hills all season, I will say; I wouldn't mind carrying a 7 or even 7 1/2 lb gun on the flats. It makes you shoot better anyway. But when the going gets hilly, lighter makes a big difference. It seems to be a balancing act of steady shooting ability vs. the fatigue of carrying a given weight.