A bit of a thread drift, but - a few years ago I was arranging for some home construction. I was told by all of the companies I dealt with that ABS sheathing was just as good as plywood, and that there were scientific proof to back it up.

I looked up the contact list for a plywood organization, and sent an email to one of their engineers on the validity of the statement. He told me that there was significant differences, and that research tests show that ABS was definately inferior to plywood, end significantly so under some circumstances. When I asked him about the statements I received, he said that ABS is where the marketing money" is and it is difficult because almost every supply and construction organization is influenced by the marketing and have a vested interest. He indicated that even the plywood manafacturers (and their agents) were unlikely to "set the record straight" on this issue as they manufactor both products.

My message is, in todays world, keep a keen eye on where the marketing money lies before you rule on important issues.