I didn't say that, as you know, and if you think I did then you're not paying attention.
You didn't answer my questions.
"I didn't say that, as you know, and if you think I did then you're not paying attention." No, You asked "What's wrong with you people?" Which suggests you think there IS something wrong with us people!
To answer your questions: "I assume you live in a house. Why wasn't it built with 2x6s in the walls? Why isn't plaster used much any more?"
Old growth 2X6s are still the best framing material there is. My house is a 1911 build with solid old growth, oak trims, great, huge, old growth beams and solid as a rock! It has stood strong for over 100 years and cared for will stand a 100 more! The walls and ceilings are all plaster and much nicer with a longevity that far surpasses wall board. The bricks are true, clay, kiln fired, 2 layers thick! Still the best material after field stone. Oh, the 100 year old plumbing is still sound! though I plan on replacing it and can not afford to redo all that old iron, but it certainly stood the test of time better than anything used today. Copper is still the best at the current time. Show me any house, built today, that will last as long and as well. Its deficiencies are easy remedies, new wiring, new plumbing (Not necessary but I want to make changes in the layout so,,,) and insulation but the "bones" are sound. Most of the new methods and materials are made for economy & speed in building and are, definitely, not better, in most cases. Paint, wiring and insulation are exceptions. Plaster is still used! The best houses still employ plasterers, mainly in Europe. Why don't we do things this way any more? Because we want cheap and fast. I would never buy a newly built house! I did that once and the roof was badly bowed after only 5 years. I thought at the time, "Who builds a roof that won't stand 5 years??!!" Does that answer your questions? AND You did not answer my question about your real, world, painting experience.
I could go on and on about why a house built at the turn of the century is a much better build but I think I have made my point.