With the HDD swapped out for flash the weight is going to be much less, isn't it?

So what, you want to modify a good mp3 player to look more like a bad one?

With the classic iPod you've got a bad UI instead of a good UI and a large object instead of a small one. And while it will be lighter without the hard drive, it will still be a lot heavier than an mp3 player. It's pure downside on several different dimensions.

If you want to play your music on a device shaped like an iPod, it's even easier to use your existing phone.

I have no idea what a classic iPod weighs without the drive inside. No need to dismiss other people's requirements and preferences though.