Comparative benefits of high-wing, low-wing

[rtfm]

Hi,
Question:
Is there any reason (apart from aesthetics) why most aircraft are low-winged? Are high-wing aircraft inherently slower? Heavier? Less manouvreable? I'm aware of the drag caused by support cables and that sort of thing, but I'm asking about a cantilevered high wing...

Regards,
Duncan

 

[Joe Fisher]

 

[Dana]

 

[orion]

 

[rtfm]