I favor powered speakers, I feel it leaves me with many options.

1-The amp is designed for the speaker.
2-I start with 2 JBL 10’ powered speakers.
3-I add a sub if I need more overall power.
Then the speakers go on stands. With the larger set up I use a Mackie non-powered mixer.
Handling 200 people is not a problem.
But as others have said – depends on the music you are playing.

As far as weight – I walk on the job with a speaker in each hand – they weigh 34 pounds each. I feel a good powered mixer weighs more than that.

My advantages -- I can change my set up to meet the need.
Small job one speaker no stand or mixer, I use what is in the keyboard.
I’m carrying a keyboard – keyboard stand – mic and stand – speaker – and laptop. Very little effort.

I add what I need to the PA system and to the price of the job for bigger venues.

This set up fits my personality. My friend uses a Mackie powered mixer 808 and two 15” Peavy cabinets. Also a great sound. A bit heavy for me.

As a guitar player I got a sound from 10” speakers that I could not get from 12” or 15” speakers. Not sure why, just was.

John C.