I disagree with that. Whilst I would concede that Mass is not the same as weight as weight is the measure of the force on an object caused by a gravitational field. In other words, it is how hard gravity pulls on an object and should really be measured in Newtons not Grams or KG, whereas Mass is the measurement of the matter that an object contains and this remains a constant. A good example would be a 100kg block of concrete weighed on Earth would be 100kg or 980.67 Newton’s whereas weighed on the moon it would weigh 16.5kg or 161.81 Newton’s but in either case the mass would not change.
Therefore it follows that MTOM is a theoretical or perhaps manufacturer stated maximum mass at take off. Why would they need to state a “maximum” as the measurement parameter. Better surely to stick with the unladen bare bones mass figure but then require a move to a different category when / if you increase that figure for any reason.
The maximum takeoff mass ( MTOM ), often referred to as maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), of an aircraft is a value defined by the aircraft manufacturer. MTOW is usually specified in units of kilograms or pounds.
In which case the mini with its fuel (battery) is 249g (weight) and working on the assumption that you fly outdoors with the kit straight out of the box with no accessories that is surely what we should work with? If you decide to add legs, lights, GoPro etc then you would have to look at a different category.
Yes A2 CofC (brand new course only just starting to come in now) cost about £250 and prove practical competence by self cert or basic training with official training company that could be £200 also Before all that you need to be registered with DEMARES (CAA)
do wish people would title & date & ‘own’ Their material 
