There's also a perception, it seems, that heavier = better. As i've mentioned here previously, Samsung's making its debut AV receiver both bulkier and heavier than it technically needs to be as user/retailer feedback was that it didn't feel 'serious' enough...
Back in my dim and distant past as a camera reviewer, it wasn't unknown for manufacturers of inexpensive compact cameras to put a small bar of lead in the bottom of the casework to add some reassuring heft.