I have to clarify that I've only had 2 bows break that were in the new owner's hands. I've personally had enough failures to qualify for the "if you ain't breakin' you ain't makin' !!!
I will say that for me plain old staves have been better survivors than backed bows. Like I said, being away from archery in general for a bit and seeing how it has evolved is pretty amazing.
It is great to see that it is getting passed on and being kept alive by so many talented folks.