Well, I won't agree or not on the Fir vs Pine, but the Pine I have had in the past has been good!
I went thru the period of "Good Cedar" scare in the early 90's, then the alternative shafts!
Hardwood, both native and tropical! Some great stuff...but supply, demand for flooring and other markets, have brought alot of variables in the wood market!
Heck, I remember Ken Beck telling me of the changes they were up against to find an alternative to maple/ actionwood for their bows!
Look what they have now!