I also pretty much agree – 23 ounces or so would be around the upper limit of preferred weight, for me.

While carrying the weight is somewhat of an issue for me, it's actually not the main issue. The main issue for me is weight in use. I can control a lighter knife better. Also, for chopping and various heavy uses, a lighter knife is less punishing to my hand and arm. In fact, I'd kind-of say that the concept of chopping power may be somewhat misconceived, because of this. Yes, I'll be able to chop more in a few chops with a NMFBM sized blade than an NMSFNO sized blade; but I'll be able to accomplish more chopping in an hour with an NMSFNO than an NMFBM, because it is less fatiguing, and because it is softer on my hand.