I agree.

My WFS Mt Blanc external frame is 3lbs 10oz. Certainly heavier than my frameless packs, but still lighter than some of the behemoth internals that people still buy today. It is also much more comfortable to carry than the giant internals. Since it is an "L" frame, it make a great seat at camp too.

I have said in the past that the old gear was not necessarily heavier. Lightweight backpacking isn't new, just designs and materials have changed. The most limiting factors in the past for going lightweight is the same as now, knowledge and money. Cheap gear is most often heavier regardless of the decade.